Daily Christian Journey

Navigating the Complexities of Sexuality with Your Children

In today’s cultural landscape, discussing sexuality with your children can be a daunting task. The conversation is often shrouded in discomfort, and the stakes are high. However, as parents, it is essential to approach this topic with intentionality, positivity, and biblical guidance.

Why This Conversation Matters

The culture will inevitably shape your child’s worldview on sex and sexuality if you don’t take an active role in shaping their understanding. By avoiding this conversation, you risk allowing societal norms to define their perspective, potentially leading to confusion, harm, or unhealthy attitudes towards sex.

A Biblical Framework for Understanding Sexuality

Scripture provides a comprehensive framework for understanding sex and sexuality. In Genesis 1-2, we see God’s design for marriage, sex, and relationships. Sex is a gift from God, intended to be enjoyed within the context of marriage between one man and one woman. This biblical perspective offers a positive and healthy view of sex, emphasizing its purpose and boundaries.

Strategies for Discussing Sex with Your Children

1. Be Intentional: Plan to have this conversation with your child, rather than waiting for them to learn about sex from others.
2. Be Positive: Emphasize the beauty and gift of sex, rather than portraying it as something shameful or dirty.
3. Be Biblical: Ground your conversation in Scripture, highlighting God’s design for sex and relationships.
4. Be Comprehensive: Place sex within the broader context of relationships, marriage, and God’s plan for humanity.
5. Be Convictional: Share your convictions and values regarding sex, while being sensitive to your child’s questions and concerns.
6. Be Age-Appropriate: Tailor your conversation to your child’s maturity level, providing clear and accurate information without being too graphic.
7. Be Clear, Not Graphic: Avoid explicit details, especially with younger children, while still conveying the importance of respecting one’s body and boundaries.

Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Don’t Be Naive: Recognize that your child will be exposed to sexual content and conversations, even if you try to shelter them.
2. Don’t Be Evasive: Avoid dodging your child’s questions or concerns, as this can create more harm and confusion.
3. Don’t Be Negative: Refrain from portraying sex as something solely negative or shameful, as this can lead to unhealthy attitudes and behaviors.

A Positive Approach to Sex Education

By approaching sex education with a positive, biblical, and comprehensive framework, you can help your child develop a healthy and respectful understanding of sex and relationships. This conversation is not just about imparting knowledge, but about shaping values and convictions that will guide your child throughout their life.

Additional Insights

• Love Is Love: A biblical perspective on love and relationships, highlighting God’s design for marriage and sex.
• The Sexual Revolution’s Impact on Women and Girls: A discussion on the effects of the sexual revolution on women and girls, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships.
• Pastoral Care for Those Struggling with LGBTQ+ Issues: Guidance for pastors on caring for individuals struggling with LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and biblical conviction.
• Podcast: Sexual Confusion, Cultural Lies, and Our Christian Witness: A conversation with Rosaria Butterfield on responding to common claims and arguments related to gender and sexuality, while promoting a biblical worldview.