kids are asking about relationships
...now they’re getting some answers!
A unique publication has just been released showcasing real questions that Australian children ask about relationships. It also offers some straight forward, down to earth answers for the kids of today, provided by leading relationships and family counselling experts.
The questions were collected anonymously from children aged from 8 to 14 years and are about friends, sisters, brothers and teachers...but most were asked about the relationships they have with their Mums and Dads. So, while this book was written by, and for children, it will prove to be a valuable insight for parents.
400+ Questions Kids Have about Relationships talks about emotions, attraction, bodies, teasing and bullying and keeping safe in cyberspace, and ‘other stuff’. It is supported by fun illustrations and some of the actual handwritten questions from children.
“This book was created for kids and their parents, in the hope that it will be a resource to help with some of life’s trickier questions. First stop: Mum and Dad. Second stop: 400+ Questions Kids have about Relationships.” notes Karen Morris, CEO of the Interrelate organisation.
KIDS UNDERSTANDING RELATIONSHIPS
Examples of some of the questions and answers
Kid’s Q: When your parents get divorced what happens when you have stepmums or dads?
A: You begin to add to your family, and instead of one, you will have two,
living in different places.
Your Mum and Dad will always be your parents even if they don’t live with you all the time.
Kid’s Q: When is the right time to kiss a person?
A: When you are absolutely sure that they want to kiss you back
Generally something will tell you when that time is right
...a special smile, a touch on your hand or even a sparkle in their eye
...you just have to make sure you are looking for the sign(s).
Kid’s Q: Why do the other boys call me gay because I don’t like football?
A: Because they are being mean.
In our culture if you are a boy it is expected that you like to play sports like football, 
but where would we be if ALL boys thought that way? We would be a country with a
pretty lop-sided culture. Great to have footballers, but we also need artists, writers,
rock stars, etc.
Lots and lots of boys prefer not to play football so you are certainly not alone, try
to ignore them and do what is fun for you, after all, you certainly don’t have to play
footy to be a success, ask Dick Smith or Rove McManus!
Kid’s Q: How do I stop a teacher nagging?
A: By doing what s/he asks the first time.
After all, nagging is simply reminding someone over and over.
Do it the first time = no nagging!
400+ Questions Kids Have about Relationships
written and illustrated by Gaye Dell in collaboration with Interrelate staff.
400+ Questions Kids Have about Relationships is an initiative of Interrelate Family Centres.
Interrelate began helping communities back in 1926, when it created the ‘Father and Son’ movement. Since then, its services and programs have expanded and evolved so that now it provides assistance to over 50,000 children and family members every year. This unequaled experience with families, has allowed Interrelate to develop new resources to assist, and keep in step with, the families of today.
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