DON'T SHY AWAY FROM PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
By Claire Marketos
'Talking to and teaching your child about life, is one of the privileges of parenting. Don't shy away from it. As Nomfundo Xulu states in "Torment of teenage years" (September, 3): "Tell it like it is."Children who learn about the world from their parents feel safe and empowered.
To facilitate conversation with your child:Talk with your child as often as you can in a non judgmental way. Use a calm matter of fact tone when giving your child information, especially about the facts of life. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; Take your cue from your children; give them as much information as they require. Young children may only require a definition, while older kids will require more detail; Personal accounts of sexual experiences are not required.(The Times, September 5, 2007)