Children have a way of springing surprises on you when you least expect them, especially by posing a bevy of awkward questions, that can quite catch you off your guard! Children who are on their way to growing up from toddlers, can voice out awkward words just because they have heard them being said, on TV or by others, for they love to hear themselves speak. Or an early adolescent might just be getting conscious about herself and her social standing, and might pose you questions on sexuality, your past life or even some burning social issues. How do you think you should handle these awkward moments?

For one, keep cool and calm. Do not hem or haw, or stay silent. This will only aggravate the sensitive situation. Answer the question, to the best of your ability, depending upon your child’s age. It is always wise to be honest with your child, rather than giving vague answers. If you have been forking out dishonest answers, you will risk losing your child’s trust.

Encourage the opportunity to field difficult questions. If your child asks you questions about your past, be prepared mentally to answer them appropriately. It is always better to cultivate a feeling of openness in the family, between parents and children. This will enhance the feelings of trust, honest, and open up the channels to good communication. See that there is a consensus between you and your spouse in answering difficult questions. It will always be better if there is a semblance of consistency in the answers that are posed to you, rather than giving out contradictory messages. This will only bring about confusion.

Have the courage to admit your mistakes. If you have had a difficult past and have indulged in some things that you keep telling your child not to do, it is appropriate that you share your experiences with your child. This will in no way give them permission to do the same thing themselves, but they will see you with a greater understanding if you accept before them that you are only human. They will also realize that nobody can be perfect.

Getting into a frank and friendly discussion with our kids is the best way to initiate the bonding process. If we develop a tendency to have frank one-on-ones with our children at regular intervals, questions that are thrown up here will no longer have that awkwardness about them. The very fact that your children pose questions to you shows that they trust you and look up to you as a role model!

So, welcome as many questions as you can! After all, children never cease to surprise, do they?