How can you teach your kids to come to you NO MATTER what the issue is? I want to have a open relationship with my kids. If they want to know about sex, I want them to NOT be afraid to ask us.
I would teach abstinence, but I know that they may not follow that so i do what them to be WELL educated. how can you maintain this type of relationship?
2007-01-20 19:03:48 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Excellent question. My mom and I have always had a relationship like that, in fact, many of my friends also talked to her about very personal issues also.
I think the main thing is to start young. Don't be afraid to discuss embarrassing things with your kids. Answer their questions honestly and never, ever make fun of them when they ask you something.
Kids have to know they can trust you, if they find out your sharing their questions or comments with friends or relatives as "cute" comments, you can guarantee they will never come to you with something like that again.
Keep things in perspective, if a child asks you about, say, birth control, don't freak out and begin interogating them or threatening them. At the same time, remember you are a parent, not a buddy, and you have a responsibility to look out for their safety and try to teach them values.
Be kind, firm, and matter of fact about things. And don't wait for them to come to you, bring up the embarrassing stuff yourself once in awhile!
2007-01-20 19:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by dancin thru life 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is tell them at a young age exactly what you said, that they can talk to you about ANYTHING. Constantly reinforce that throughout their lives. And the absolute most important thing is FOLLOW THROUGH. If they come to you with something you have to deal with it appropiately and honestly. Don't shrug it off, deal with it right then and there (if possible, if not make time for it later). Don't try to hide anything, and try not to sugar coat it. If they are asking you - they obviously want to know. If you don't have the answer don't just say, "I don't know" try to find out. And don't laugh at the questions, some of them are funny, but it really shoots an ego down! The more they feel like they can trust you and confide in you, the more they will. Also, there's nothing wrong with teaching abstinence, they may not follow that, but they may.
Remember - maintaining an open door relationship is reinforcing and following through.
2007-01-20 19:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by Lil' Niffer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
RESPECT. Show them respect, and NEVER react emotionally when they ask or tell you something. Always take a minute to compose yourself before you react. Teaching abstinence but teaching them how to protect themselves "when they are ready to get married" etc. is the best way to get them the information that can save their lives while making sure that they know and understand what your values are and why.
The "open door policy" goes both ways. Be sure to share information with them in an open and respectful way. It is good to ask their opinion of what to do and why they think the way they do as a means of understanding what they know and what they believe.
Remember, your kids are meant to live their own life and make their own decisions. You are not raising children, you are teaching children to be men and women.
2007-01-20 19:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends. If you "belong" in the men's room, you can try it. If the boss is ultra-conservative, he'll fire you for infringing on his "private moment". End of that notion! Now if your boss is ultra-liberal and open minded, he might scoot over and ask you to "join him" while you two go over the "report" and perhaps he might even "check you out"! I think you need psychiatric help badly!
2016-05-24 04:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my kids were younger I always took the time to listen to what ever it was they had to say. I answered any questions they had. Now my teenage son comes to me to talk about changes he notices with his body. You can also check some bookstores for books on the changes their body goes through, and you both can read it then discuss it. I do believe I have this relationship with my kids because I took the time to listen to what they had to say. So now they know they can talk to me about anything and I will listen
2007-01-20 19:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by melly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
always be honest, don't punish them when they come and confess things to you, don't judge, try to not over react, always keep things a two-way conversation.
it should work well
2007-01-21 08:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty much just say 'oh'. no judgment and your opinion is not right or wrong. Even if they say something that hurts your feelings with their opinion, just say 'oh, I see where you are coming from'... my daughter has opions that vary from mine and I just say 'wow, I that is so different from my opinion, that is a really neat point of view'
2007-01-20 19:12:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋