Q - Questions

Seeing as I am only on Q and today is the last day of April, I didn't make it. However, I am a firm believer in continuing the race, even if you finish two weeks after everyone else! LOL

Anyway, this topic is one that parents hate to deal with. We all know it is coming, but we don't want to think about it. Today, I am talking about Kids Asking Questions.

Some questions that our children ask make us squirm, while others leave us baffled for an answer. If you are prepared for the questions to come, then you are more likely to be able to handle the surprise attack.

Question: Mom, where do babies come from?

Answer: Depending on the age of the child, there is nothing wrong with giving them the right answer. We started with telling the children that babies came from mom and dad having alone time and showing how much we love and care for each other. At that point in time, our children had not learned what sex was, so it would have been over their head to just say it is what can happen as a result of having sex.

*In spirit of transparency - we did have a conversation on a car ride and somehow the term "naked dinosaurs" came into play ... so yes, this is a joke in our family if you ever hear me refer to that.*

Question: Mom, why (insert whatever you want)?

Answer: You will grow tired of the question "why." Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why can't we do this? Why can't we do that? ....

I have found myself countless times answering those questions with, "I don't know," or "because I said so." Neither answer is a great one, and the second one doesn't tell them anything at all. If you do not know, tell them so and follow it with, why don't we find out. Do not squelch your child's curiosity. As far as the second answer, well ... try not to use it. I haven't figured out how just yet.

Question: Is Santa/Easter Bunny Real?

 

Answer: First off, if you do not do stockings or Easter baskets in your house, this question may not come up (but you might get asked why you don't). We have a solid answer we have told our children ... even though one of them knows the truth, she goes by our original answer.

"If you believe in Santa, he will have a reason to come visit you."

There are many other questions that will arise as your child(ren) are growing up. Questions about what happens when we die will depend on your religion. Questions about why people do bad things, or why God lets it happen can be answered in the best manner you know how. It is hard and the answers aren't always ones we like. Unfortunately, that does not make the questions go away.

What are some questions you have been asked and have had a real hard time answering?