Having ‘those’ conversations
When it comes to important and often sensitive topics—like sexuality —who your child hears from first makes a lasting impact. Experts agree: the first voice on a topic often becomes the most trusted one in a child’s mind. That voice should be yours.
You want your child to learn biblical truth from you before they encounter the confusion and lies of our culture. You want them to know that you are their safest and most reliable source for answers. That means teaching your child/ren what God’s Word says about these things and being ready to have open, honest conversations—get ready to practice that non-shocked ‘poker face’!
As much as we’d probably rather our kids didn’t have to be exposed to some of these things this is an incredible opportunity to begin training your child to know what they believe—and why. Scripture calls us to “Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 NLV).
Stay informed about what your child’s school or other voices in their lives are teaching through asking questions, spending time with them and being interested in their world. That way, you can help them process and evaluate what they are being taught and exposed to. It’s ok if they challenge what you’re saying. As much as we sometimes don’t like this as parents, they are learning to think for themselves and this is a God-given gift. Ask the Holy Spirit for help as you have these conversations and to give you wisdom as you navigate these things.
A helpful resource for guiding these conversations is the God’s Design for Sex series by Stan and Brenna Jones. These books teach biblically on sexuality while also including teaching on Homosexuality, Abortion, Co-habiting and Transsexualism in a loving and truthful way.
Online Safety
This is also usually a time when parents hand their kids phones. Phones come with their own challenges! Before handing your child a phone ask yourself these questions:
Am I giving them a phone because I’m sick of them asking for one, because their friends have one, or because they are genuinely ready for this responsibility?
Are online safety checks in place?
Have I communicated my expectations for their phone use/safety, what apps are allowed and what happens if they violate these expectations?
Are they aware of things like pornography and do they know to respond when they encounter this or other online harms?
Are they aware that social media users on most apps need to be 13+ and 16+ is recommended by experts.
This is a reasonably new area for parents to navigate and one that is always developing. Keep an eye out for our next Online Safety Masterclass.