Preferred Psychological Services, LLC

An Askable Parent:

1. encourages a child to ask questions
2. is willing to repeat information until the child understands
3. has a sense of humor

• Try to answer questions when your child asks; don't make the child feel he/she has made a mistake by asking the question; if the timing is not good, simply say you will talk about it at a later time and then answer the question when the time is appropriate
• Listen carefully to the question and try to answer with a short, simple response and in a language that your child will understand
• A parent can provide "teachable moments" even if your child is not asking questions
• Check to make sure your child understands the information that you have given
• Let your child know how you feel about various subjects; provide him/her with guidelines for his/her behavior
• Convey values, standards, attitudes as a way of teaching your child
• Tell your child if you feel uncomfortable or don't know the answer, you don't have to be an expert
• If you need help to answer the question, begin to search for resources and then assist your child at that time