Practice + Prayer = Protection
3/1/2008
Talking to teens about sexual behaviors is at best awkward and for most parents very difficult. But your kids deserve to hear the straight talk about such a vital part of their maturing life from the people that cherish them the most. There are some excellent resources available to help you say what you need to say about this essential parent-teen talk. At the end of this article I have listed some.
There is no doubt that there is far too much sexual information available through movies, television and music today. But there is just not enough good, God-centered guidance. Take the time and put in the effort to educate your child on God’s plans for their emerging sexuality.
Here are a few suggestions that may help guide your conversations with your teen. (notice, I said, conversations – plural- there shouldn’t be just the one BIG talk and that’s it). Take a drama strategy, and rehearse with your teen what they may say in uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. Practicing with him/her prepares them and gives them more confidence that they will have an answer when faced with difficult choices. Help your child come up with his own answers. Relax, have fun, be creative and ask for God’s wisdom to help you.
Some examples that may help:
What your teen might hear:
"Everybody else is having sex. Why can't we?"
What your teen might say:
"I'm not everybody else. I'm me." OR "I don't believe everybody else is
having sex. Even if they are, that’s not right for me.
What your teen might hear:
"If you love me, you'll have sex with me."
What your teen might say:
"If you love me, you'll respect me and my feelings and beliefs."
What your teen might hear:
"Look at this cool porn site I found on the Web."
What your teen might say:
"No, thanks. I don't want to."
Brainstorm other situations that your teenage may face in their “real world” situations. Knowing that you have spent some caring time with her prior to facing her peers may provide her self-confidence and enough self-esteem to say no when it counts. Of most importance is having a foundation of faith in God’s plan for his or her life. A vibrant faith in God provides the greatest security in being able to walk away from dangerous and difficult situations. Is your teen plugged in with the local youth group at church? Do you practice and teach your dependence on God in your home as you role-model your faith? What about praying with your teen before he/she leaves the house for an evening with friends? God bless you as you help your kids grow in Him!
Resources:
Learning About Sex Series, Sex and the New You, Videos and Books
Song of Solomon A Youth Study on Youth, Sex, Marriage and Romance, Tommy Nelson
How to Talk Confidently With Your Child About Sex: Parents Guide (The New Learning About Sex Series,(Bk. 6) Lenore Buth
Human Sexuality: A Christian Perspective (Learning About Sex Series)
by
Roger Sonnenberg
Posted By: jonealkirby | 112 views
Tags: parenting, sexual behavior, teens
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