Parenting Forums

Posted: 23 August 2007 at 10:12am | IP Logged

Harrison is becoming more and more aware of things that i watch on the T.V. mainly the news and what is in the newspaper. He asks about certain news stories mainly those that are related to a picture.

he knows all about the madaline Mcann story as they discussed this in school and sold yellow ribbons.

This morning there was a story of a child who was shot dead in Liverpool it shown his picture and harry asks what he had done. I explained he was killed then i got all the why's, how's, was he bad where is his mum, is she crying etc..

Do you think its right to discuss these things honestly with children if they ask? 

I dont want him to be scared of things that are happening in the world.  I know i'll have to explain this story with him time and time again today as that is what Harry is like he doesnt let things drop.

Posted: 23 August 2007 at 10:21am | IP Logged

I personally think it's ok to discuss things when lo's ask - but just give the least amount of details necessary, according to the age of the child (if that makes any sense??) If any of my kids ask about things in the news, I try and explain it to them as simply as possible - obviously telling Cameron very little, but in more detail with Ruth and Rebecca.

I think lo's can get confused and scared by trying to work out things in their own minds - their imaginations can be extremely vivid -  it's better if they have the facts explained to them. That's only my personal opinion - I find it works ok with my lot.

xxx

Posted: 23 August 2007 at 12:56pm | IP Logged

Tasja watches the news with us at 6 while shes waiting for her phonecall.  Sometimes she asks and we explain stuff..rest of the time shes quite happy to watch....she was in her element when the floods where happening..and cos we knew some of the lads who were paddling about at one of the electric sub station thingy..she was looking out for them to see if she could spot them.

I do screen stuff..and when joe goes away to somewhere not nice..the news wont be on til the girls have gone to bed..

Posted: 23 August 2007 at 5:34pm | IP Logged

When Max asks controversial questions I try and answer honestly and as sensitively as possible.  However, there is a limit to how much a young child can understand and as a parent you know what your child really needs to know.