There are things in life that you never want your child to know about, to understand, or to hear. There are things you want to protect your child from and things you hope he’ll never need to know. Unfortunately, helping your child grow up means that you’ll have to talk to him about things that are uncomfortable.
When you have to talk to your child about a topic that is scary or embarrassing, there are a few ways you can ease the tension and make both of you feel more comfortable. First of all, make sure you pick the right moment. Don’t bombard your child with information the second he gets home from school, as soon as dinner is finished, or while he’s in the middle of playing a really intense video game. Instead, choose a time when both of you can sit down and talk comfortably together without interruptions or distractions.
Secondly, make sure you approach your child when you’re calm. If you’re upset or nervous, your child will be able to sense this and won’t feel as open to asking questions if he needs to, especially if the topic is about something he needs to know about. If you do feel nervous when you start to talk to your child, take several deep breaths and remember that you’re doing the right thing by talking with your child.
Finally, make sure you let your child know that the discussion is ongoing and that he can approach you anytime with questions. Chances are, your child may need some time to think about the information you’ve given him and may come up with a question or two later on that he needs your help with. Whether the topic is death, money, puberty, or romance, remember that as a mom, it’s incredibly important to give your child honest, truthful information and to let him know that he can talk to you about anything.