If you are the parent of a strong, healthy, mentally alert child, this little one is filled with curiosity.  He want to examine everything in site, to find out what it's for, why it's there and what makes it go.  Some may go on their own to work at it or try to figure it out, but the vast majority will take the easier way  of just asking why.  These questions can be endless, leading to nowhere.  It's a parent's responsibility to decipher when a child's curiosity is at play or if  possibly little Timmy's  sudden case of curiosity  is to delay or avoid what he has been told to do.  He is the winner if the parent answers aimlessly, not really aware of the game that is being played. Answer questions whey they are sensible - if he truly want to know.;Stop what you are
doing and give him  your undivided attention. There are times when his questions deserve your whole attention, because he is sincere. Get involved in your answers, be enthused about helping him learn something new.  You are helping expand the mind. If, however,
he is playing a game, let him know that  you know what is going on and that you will only
answer "good questions".  

During this period of your child's life, you are developing a relationship that  will carry
over into your adult relationship.  It so very important that you win y our child's trust.  If you tell him money grows on trees, at this young age, he is going to believe there is a money tree somewhere. Then when he finds out Mom or Dad lied,a trust is broken.  If kids can't believe their parents, who can  they believe?

When a child has sincere questions, and you sincerely don't know the answer,  that is the perfect time to suggest you find the answer together.  What better  way to show a child there are answers to most questions?  What better way to  show a child that he is important enough for Mom or Dad to take the time to look up answers?  What better way to make lasting memories with a child  than  to spend some time on the web or better yet, to go to the library. If he is accustomed to this, later on he can have his own library card and  it may be that researching answers will become a favorite thing with him.   Believe me, he will find answers to his questions.  If not in the best of places,  then in places that could be questionable.

A parent must remember is that a small child's attention spand is short.  He  asks so many casual questions about things that really don't interest him and  he tires quickly. Be careful, be selective in the way you handle these important times. Let him know, if he is not playing games, there's nothing more imporant  at the present time that finding an answer to his question.  What an esteem  builder that is!   

At the time of parenting, it seems things will always be just as they are.  Not so.  Much too soon the children are grown and your time of impressing them is over.  What you lead them to believe or didn't teach them will have a lasting impact.  Each day with your child is a golden nugget. Answer
his questions. Give lots of hugs. Cherish this time  as though you will loose it someday, because you will.  Your influence is all he will take with him when he goes to make a place of his own.

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 "When you listen to your children, you are paying them a compliment.  By listening, you increase their feelings of self-respect and self-worth."
Dean & Grace Merrill

 

 

The Leading Role A Parent's Responsibility Kindling

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