Who wants to be a knowledgeable parent

Parents are expected to ‘know’. If not ‘everything’, at least they should know a lot more than their children. Isn’t that why children expect daddies and mummies to have immediate answers for questions like: “Where do babies come from?”, “Where does God live?”, or “Why does Daddy always get the biggest piece of meat.”

But while it might be a great idea to have coherent and believable answers to those classic childhood questions, there are some other Very Important Things (VITs) that parents should always endeavour to keep in mind, for the safety and wellbeing of their children.

This week, we share with you some VITs, and offer, as a bonus of sorts, some words of ancient parenting wisdom which we hope will get you thinking about the art - or science? - of raising children in this part of the world.

The Kathy Peel quiz for parents

The world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for young children. Or is it? What is clearly incontrovertible is that it is a far more complicated place than it used to be. With the likelihood of both parents working now higher than ever before, and with children having often unrestricted access to the wild, wild web (www), it is very important for parents to set up safety mechanisms to protect their children. Kathy Peel insists that all parents of young children should ask themselves these questions:

• Is there anything in your [home] that is unsafe and within your child’s reach?

• Is there anything your yard that could be harmful when your child is playing?

• Does your child know who to call in an emergency and how to reach you at all times?

• Does your child know basic first aid?

• Does your child know how to answer the phone when you’re not home?

• Does your child know how to handle a stranger at the door?

• Do you have rules about having friends over when your child is home alone?

• Do you have rules for Internet use?

• Does your child know what to do if he becomes lost or separated from you in a public place?

• Does your child know what to do if approached by a stranger?

Kathy Peel is the Founder and CEO of Family Manager Coaching, and a regular contributor to www.parentdish.com