Over the years, ParentsTogether has heard from parents and caregivers who are at all different stages of raising their children. They all have one thing in common: they’re trying their best to keep their kids safe and cared for, even though the world can make it difficult in so many ways.
There are no easy answers when it comes to difficult topics like online safety, divorce, bodily changes, and addiction, but we’ve put together this parents’ FAQ to guide you toward the most useful, realistic resources and scripts that so many parents have asked for. Rest assured that if you are wrestling with any of these issues in your family, you are not alone!
Parents’ questions about keeping kids safe online
With so many tech tools at families’ fingertips — both at school and at home — parents have a lot of questions about what is safe and appropriate for their kids at every age, and how to navigate the constant pressures to engage with social media, AI, smartphones, and other technology. Click on the relevant questions below for practical, step-by-step guidelines tailored to parents:
- What should I do if my kid shared inappropriate photos?
- How do I know if my kid is ready for a smartphone?
- Is AI chat safe for kids?
- Is Roblox safe for kids? (Bonus question: How can I get my kid off Roblox?)
- How do I set limits for phone use?
- What do I do now if I regret having gotten my kid a phone?
- Why is my child seeing inappropriate content on YouTube, and what can I do about it?
- How can I protect my child from online predators?
Parents’ questions about drugs, alcohol, and addiction
Substances can affect kids in so many ways, whether a family member has struggled with addiction, or your kids have been around adults or teens smoking or drinking alcohol. Parents and caregivers quite often have questions related to substance misuse — follow the links below for helpful answers and conversation guides on each topic:
- How can I explain addiction to my kids in an age-appropriate way?
- What do I say when my young child asks why people smoke?
- What/when should I teach my kids about alcohol?
- How do I explain to a child why adults drink alcohol?
- What can I say to help keep my teen safe from fentanyl?
- Should I tell my teen that I’ve struggled with drugs or drinking in the past?
Parents’ questions about body curiosity
There are some awkward situations that parents will never feel prepared for — but they’re incredibly common! Here are some starting points for figuring out how to address those body-related questions that often come up much sooner than you think:
- Is it normal if my toddler/young kid keeps touching their privates?
- How can I help my kid learn body safety and privacy without shaming or scaring them?
- What do I do if I accidentally walked in on my teen’s “private moment”?
- What do I do if my child walked in on my partner and me?
- How and when should I have the puberty and sex ed talk? (This comprehensive guide answers many of parents’ other common questions about periods, private parts, pregnancy, consent, and more.)
Parents’ questions about divorce, family conflict, or family changes
Whether you are getting separated or divorced, your child doesn’t see their other parent, or you’re navigating grief or a complicated relationship, these questions might be top of mind for your family:
- How should we talk to the kids about our divorce/separation?
- How do I explain why my child’s other parent isn’t around?
- How and when should I introduce a new partner to my child?
- How can I help my kids prepare for a big move?
- What if my partner/co-parent and I disagree on parenting issues?
- What if my kid already heard my partner and I fighting?
- How can I make co-parenting go more smoothly?
- How can I support my kid after the death of a pet, relative, or friend?
Parents’ questions about stretching the family budget
If your family has struggled with money recently, you’re certainly not alone! Many families are having trouble getting by on stagnant wages, soaring costs, and limited support. Follow the links below for money-saving hacks that you may not have tried yet:
- How can I get free or inexpensive kids’ clothing, toys, and gear?
- What are some cheaper meals I can make when grocery prices are high?
- What should I do if I can’t pay my family’s medical bills on time?
- What are some unexpected hacks for saving money on entertainment?
- How can I cut back on holiday spending without disappointing my kids?
