how much is too much to tell your kids?

Question

how much is just right?

Answer 1

Tell them everything; they will respect you for it.

Answer 2

It really depends on how old the kid is and what you are talking about.

Here's some guidlines, since you weren't very specific.

- Your marital problems are between you and your spouse. The children have no business hearing anything that is wrong between their parents. Arguing should be done in a private room, preferably after the children have gone to bed.

- Sex. The famous sex questions. Before the age of 13, it's fine to tell the kid the basics. Don't get too graphic, and be sure to tell them that it is a private issue that should NEVER be discussed outside of the home. Also be sure and tell them that sex is something mommies and daddies do in order to have babies or to make each other happy, but that kids NEVER have sex. After the age of 13, you need to be more blunt with them. Talk to them about "if" they decide to have sex. Make sure you tell your daughters that they can trust you. That, if they decide to have sex, you want them to be on the pill. Tell your sons that it's okay to ask you for condoms. If you don't give them protection and just rely on telling them not to do it, you will regret it. Teens will do what they want. It's better to give them protection and hope they use it, than to just hope they don't do anything at all. Also, around the age of 16, I would sugget getting your daughter(s) the pill anyway, even if they aren't having sex because rape and severe molestation is a problem these days. It's good to be protected. And also, sex can be a spur of the moment thing.

- Local violence or violence in the media. For kids under 10, hearing about break-ins or theivery can frighten them. It's important for them to understand the dangers of the world (such as kidnapping, etc) but vivid detail is not necessary. Also, don't use it as a discipline crop. For instance, don't tell your kids that a scary man will come take them away if they don't straighten up. It will frighten them, and it's just a very cruel thing to do. It is important to discuss rape/molestation with children. No, you do not have to go into detail. By the age of 6, kids should understand what 'private parts' are and should know who to tell in case they are touched inappropriately. They need to know that if someone does that to them, it is a bad thing but that they did not do anything wrong.

Okay, well those are the only things I would think would be even borderline of this question. Basically, use common sense.

Answer 3

This depends on what you are referring to, the age of the child, etc.

The best way to answer this is to ask yourself if you think that you are concerning your child with ADULT issues. A kid should be able to be a kid, without worrying about the family's financial or other issues. Teach them how to be responsible and that they need to save and earn money to buy things they want, but don't for example tell them that you can't afford your groceries! If there's an issue that can't be avoided, find a way to put it in simple, un-lengthy terms in a way that will not make them question or blame themselves.

Answer 4

Pick simple and easy answers. Don't use to many big words. Keep it simple. But really, it depends on what you are telling them. If it's about death, tell them the truth. If it's about sex, tell them. IT'S GONNA HURT LIKE HELL. My five year old is boy crazy. I tell her it is not proper for a young lady to kiss a boy, so don't do it. Yeah, then i tell her all little boys have cooties, until they are married. If she kisses them she will need nine cootie shots in her arm, and show her the length and width of the needle is as big as her pinkie. I don't tell her about the circle, circle dot, dot now i got my cootie shot. It's to easy. I just hope it does not scar her for life. I doubt it though. Have fun

Answer 5

Depends on the age of the child and the subject matter. When young I generally would tell them everything without alot of detail.

Answer 6

Consider the age of the kid.
baby- 10, G and PG stuff
11-17, PG, PG-13 and some exceptional R stuff
18- R and X and NC-17 stuff

but still consider!

Answer 7

That will all depend on the ages and maturity of the kids. There is no magic age or magic amount of info. You will know what and when to share.

Answer 8

You want to be their friend but you need to parent. Let them be a kid and grow into adulthood. Advise their issues as they approach them. If there are important questions, answer them. Three key ansawers;
"I know and I'll tell you"
"I don't know but I will find out"
"I know but can't tell you at this time"

Answer 9

It depends on the topic and the age and level of understanding of your child.

Answer 10

Depends on the subject and the age of the child...

Answer 11

Depends on what you are talking about and the age of the child.