Parental Filter

Yes, I agree that kids can say the most wrong thing at the worst possible moment!When our kids were growing up, my parents always said grace. We'd taught our kids to bow their heads in respect while the blessing was going on. One night our son, who was probably about eight years old asked my husband in front of everyone, "Dad, how come we don't pray? What's up with that?" I was torn between embarrassment and anger. My husband, though, realised that our son had been asked that question by my youngest brother, who dearly liked to make trouble. My husband put down his fork and said in very reasonable tone of voice, "Well, why don't you tell your uncle that if he really wants to know he can ask me." My brother's blood-red face confirmed my husband's theory. Humongous family dust-up prevented.

Getting back to the original question, I think most of us agreed that single parent households were no big deal to children, but have you encountered friends who have two parents of the same gender? My son's friend had two mothers, he found this fascinating and I was fearful of him saying something tactless, but if he ever did it would have been due to childish fascination rather than malice.

It was slightly different, but I had a colleague and friend who was gay and living with his partner. My son who was about 8 at the time had met them a few times and had been rather quiet (for him). My friend called at our house and I had to go and find some documents for him, when I got back he and my son were sitting in the lounge discussing the best way to pluck eyebrows. My friend said it had been prompted by my son asking how he got thin eyebrows. After that he just accepted my friend without any more questions.

We haven't encountered a situation like that, kids are bound to ask questions,but they take most things in their stride.

Very true.

It is usually parents and other adults that have the real problems. Letting go of a child's world view, in favor of their formulating their own, is almost impossible for many people.

I think children take their lead from their parents, if their parents are accepting of and interested in all sorts of people, I think the children will be comfortable with all sorts of people too.