Build Trust
Parents Say
"Even when I’m busy, I make time to talk with my son. I listen to whatever he has to say. I’m careful not to make fun of the questions he asks. I want him to know he can come to me with anything he’s wondering about."
Tinh, father of
11-year-old Bao
Building Your Child's Trust in You
Our children need to know that they can count on us to give them the right information about sex and growing up. When you listen to your children and answer their questions honestly, you show them that you can be trusted. These tips can help:
Listen to your children and answer their questions honestly.
When you pay attention to your children’s questions and take the time to answer them honestly, children learn that you are someone they can go to when they need information and support.
Don’t worry about having all the answers.
If your child asks you something you don’t know, it’s OK to say: “That’s such a great question, but I don’t know the answer. Let’s go look it up.”
Make time to talk.
Sometimes kids ask questions when we don’t have time to listen and talk. If this happens, be sure to make time to talk about it later.
Most of all, respect your children’s feelings.
Children can get their feelings hurt easily. Try not to tease them about growing up.
