“Daddy, why is the sky blue?” “Daddy, does it have to thunder?” “Daddy, where did I come from?” Have you had any of these questions hit you yet dad? I have all of these plus more, many more. The big question is how are you handling and answering the questions coming at you?
There is really three ways that the questions that our kids throw at us can be answered. The first one is lying. This is not the way to approach anything that comes up with our kids, yet many times it is the one that many people choose. Then they attempt to justify the lie with saying that it is only a little white lie. The color or size of the lie does not change the fact that it is still a lie. Unless we want to set the example that we lie when it suits us, this way of answering questions should be avoided.
The second ways of answering questions is simply avoidance of the question. It may be a question that we do not know the answer to or we are not comfortable answering ourselves. Either way, when we avoid the question, we send our kids to another source for the answer. The world is full of answers, but who do you want answering the questions from your kids? You or the world?
The last way is the truth. This can be the most difficult way to answer questions, but it is the most beneficial to you and your kids. It opens a pathway of trust and reassurance between you and your kids. Your kids need to know that they can come to dad with anything and dad will be there with the answers. However, dad, if you do not know the answer, admit it to your kids. Let them know that you will find out the answer and get back with them. This approach goes a long way and will last longer than lying or avoidance.
So dads and husbands, the next time that the kids ask a question, what are you going to do? Lie, avoid it or do your best and be truthful? I am praying that you will pick the third option.
This post is part of a link up with Marcy over at Ben and Me! Head on over and read the other interested letter Q posts.
