Episode 11: Welcoming the Hard Conversations
Engaging, challenging, and empowering parents in raising well-rounded children through combining educational research to everyday life.
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on today’s episode…
Let your kids come to YOU with their questions… don’t make them want to go to their friends.
Insights
Kids are curious. They ask a lot of questions– about a lot of different things. Half of the time I feel like my answer to their question is, “I don’t know”-- which is also a great answer, by the way (I even wrote a blog about why “I don’t know is a great answer for kids”).
But, when kids ask those BIG questions, like: abortion, adoption, homosexuality, sex, homelessness, drugs, alcohol, and God… don’t overlook or downplay those questions.
Although generally shocked by the questions, answer the questions truthfully and in an age appropriate way
God’s Design for Sex Books
Be welcoming so your children will WANT to ask YOU everything– and not their friends
When they hear information from YOU, YOU can instill YOUR values and beliefs
This affirms their confidence when they hear other answers from peers
Children build trust this way– they trust that you will ALWAYS tell them the truth
Even if the answer is, “this is all you need to know about this topic for now”
If you have more than one child, it is likely the age gap will alter these conversations
Use one-on-one time to dig deeper when necessary
Be aware of the answer you provide when all are together (age)
Provide warnings of information not to share with siblings
If you continue to answer their questions… they’ll continue coming to YOU with them. Isn’t that what we all want from our kids?
Josh once had an older friend with grown kids, who told him he made a deal with his kids when they were teenagers: “it doesn’t matter what you need, where you are, what you’ve done, or who you’re with. Call me. I’ll come get you and won’t ask any questions.”
This dad’s priority was his kids’ safety– he didn’t want to punish or teach them a lesson at every single encounter. He just wanted them to know they could COUNT ON HIM.
Let your kids count on YOU– for the right information and as a safe haven.
