Sex education is becoming an integral part of the growth of children. Parents should be more curious and responsible about giving the right knowledge to the kids.
“When should I start talking to my kids about sex?”
We always answer that question with another question—When does the world start talking to your kids about sex?
Today is the best time to start talking. God’s truth is never off-limits. We see a great, permission-giving example of this when the Israelites enter the Promised Land. “There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them” (Joshua 8:35).
Joshua shared the whole of God’s truth with the little ones present. We get to be storytellers!
Rooted in Biblical Wisdom
Parenting is the hardest task, but with the tools and strategies, we can gracefully achieve the wisdom to direct our kids in a better way.
Our role as parents in a sexualized, digital age is to protect our kids when we can, but more importantly, to equip them with an understanding of God’s story of sex that is compelling and hopeful. Most importantly, our role is to invite them into a relationship and to model our own (imperfect) pursuit of purity.
The good news is that we can turn to Jesus, again and again, as we continue on this journey with our kids.
Here are some ideas to address with your child as they grow in understanding God’s story of sex.
Protection
Every parent should have the notion that they are the protector of their child. As a parent, you exercise discernment and listen to your gut. Teach your kids about body privacy and proper names for body parts.
As a parent, you should discourage secrets and secret friends of your kids. You should aware of the red flags of abuse: sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, irrational fears. Activate parental controls on all network-connected devices, and limit screen time for your child’s growing brain.
Equip
Parents should give the idea that they are created purposefully and intentionally. Hold your child often to equip them with a sense of security. Teach them the biological differences between males and females. You can discuss directly why the genitals are private parts and should not be touched by others. Begin to gently correct and instruct if they touch/encroach inappropriately on others. Show your child how to create and respect physical boundaries. Give them the confidence to say “no!” to hugs, kisses, tickling, etc.Look them in the eyes to equip them to be comfortable with being present and engaging with people.
Model
As a parent, you must show affection and build trust in your kids. You should be the matter of their confidence. Communicate God’s love and what are the real and worldly love. Show your child how to create and respect physical boundaries. Teach them to respect each gender and its responsibility. Help them understand healthy ways of giving and receiving attention. Examine your own media consumption habits, and closely monitor your child’s habits.
Let our children grow by having all the confidence to achieve their paths in a divine way.