Wednesday, April 18, 2007

OUR KIDS: COPING WITH THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY #3 OF 5


WHY KIDS
ASK
THE QUESTION
(PT 3 OF 5)

If you receive difficult questions from children, it may be useful to understand what they're really asking you before answering.

Often a request for information is spurred not only by curiosity, but by a feeling. Usually,the child already has some idea about this.

We may be more helpful if, rather than plunging into an immediate answer, WE LEARN WHAT IS TRULY MOTIVATING THEM TO POSE THE QUESTION.

This is particularly true if the question is a difficult one. Parents can say, "What made you think of that?"or "Can you tell me what you were thinking about?" Also, it can be good to ask "What ideas do you have?"

Once you know the meaning of the question, it is easier to answer effectively.
Rob Evans, Psychologist and school consultant, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Tomorrow: Part 4 of 5 Straight Talk Vs. False Assurances.