Parenting In A Sexualized, Digital Age Sample

Ignorance Does Not Preserve Innocence

Invite hard questions and encourage difficult dialogue. If your kids don’t think they can ask you about words or situations that are new or confusing, they’re going to ask Google. Need we say more? Let your kids know that they can ask you anything. If it is a word they hear or a phrase they don’t understand, assure them they have permission to come to you for an answer without fear of shame or punishment. Let’s become our kids’ go-to person when it comes to sex. “I’m sorry” is a great start if you’re starting late. “Thank you” is encouraging to your kids who may be embarrassed. Simple, bridge-building statements can go a long way.

Look for and take advantage of “teachable moments.” These “moments” occur every day, probably every couple of minutes if we are looking for them! Whether it is a song on the radio, a commercial on TV, or the latest fashion trend, talk to your kids about whether it fits into God’s plan and design. Be sure to include yourself in the situation. “I don’t need to watch that commercial because it demeans women” makes a very positive, healthy statement to your son or daughter. This may not feel rewarding in the short-term when you are met with eye-rolls, but ultimately this is a consistent way you can model godliness to your children.

Share your own successes and be honest about your failures. Do you lose a little bit of control when telling honest stories versus sitting your kids down for a pre-designed, quasi-classroom lecture at your selected time and place? Yes. But you gain immeasurable intimacy and trust. And, like improv, you usually discover some humor along the way, which will probably generate even more memorable stories that will be handed down as part of family lore! In other words, like the apostles, give your testimony with “great grace” upon you!