Is it okay to contradict a child's mother?

Question

For example if a mother told a child that an unmarried man and woman can't live together, or an unmarried man and woman can't have a baby? If you are in one of the named situations, and the child asks you about it, should you just go along with the mother's lie, or explain that the mother thinks that it shouldn't happen but it actually does.

Answer 1

Just go along with the mother and say the man is your friend. Really try not to interfere with other people's kids.

Answer 2

Odds are that at some point, we will all tell a lie to our children so that we can "protect" them. I know I will. If you have heard the mother tell these things to her child, the polite thing to do would be to explain it the same way. Santa Claus is a lie, but I'd be awfully upset if sometime in the future someone tells my kid he's not real because they don't like the lie. It's not your child, and it isn't your responsibility to teach him or her how the world works. If a parent chooses to shield their child for as long as they have control to do it, I say let it be. Personally, I can't imagine the child growing up feeling hurt and lied to over it. But if you really have a problem with it, take it up with the parent.

Answer 3

I think the best thing is to discuss this with the mother. Tell her that her child came to you and asked you about it. Discuss the best way to handle it with her.

You should always be honest with the child, but you must act diplomatically.

If the mother insists on telling her child what is not really accurate. My best advise would be tell the child "well, what does your mother say?". Then say something about "your mom is a smart lady right?" and then just pretty much leave it at that. Not lying to the child, but not contradicting their mother in the process.

Answer 4

It depends on the age & maturity level of the child. You may want to seriously consider the mother's feelings here, especially if you are close with her. Sometimes telling a young person that some people do wrong things will make them try it, but everyone's different. "Don't have sex, but if you do use a condom." In my opinion either tell them not to do it or you're condoning it. And lead by example.

Answer 5

I would just say that I disagree but and just tell the child to obey the parents, since that's what the bible says even though the parents are wrong. Then if the parents ask for your point of view then give your opinion on what you think.

Answer 6

When you say "child" I assume you are talking about 12 or under... I think it's non of your business to even answer the question if you are not the child's health teacher or doctor.
There is nothing wrong with saying "ask your parents about things like that".
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Answer 7

It's not your place to voice your opinion with a child, because it is your opinion. You would be better to take it up with the mother and let her know how you feel. Going thru a child is hitting below the belt. Way out of line!

Answer 8

there is probally a reason the mother has told her child this as she may be too young to comprehend the situation and it might confuse and overwhelm herat this point (the child) i would leave well enough alone and let the mother handle it she has her reasons.

Answer 9

Never never never contradict a parents teaching their child like that. That would call for some serious violence if it were me. Just mind your business and don't answer directly if you have to but just stay out of it.

Answer 10

I've just recently come across issues like this with my son's daughters. I felt really bad not answering their questions but I had to change the subject really quick until I had a chance to talk to my son (and his wife). I needed to know, from them, what and how they have explained issues to the girls. As they get older (inter teen-age hood) it will only get tougher.