It’s good to hear that you’re thinking seriously about having a heart-to-heart with your kids about abortion and homosexuality. A talk of this kind would fit most naturally into a “preparing for adolescence”-type discussion with pre-teens. We usually recommend that parents (or, ideally, the parent of the same sex) have a series of conversations about general sexual and maturational topics with their prepubescent boy or girl at about age ten or eleven. Some parents plan to do this during a special weekend away from home. That’s a good way to avoid distractions. This would be a perfect time to broach such subjects as God’s design for human sexuality, the close connection between sex and childbirth, the value of children, and the sanctity of human life.
You’re probably right in supposing that your children have already been introduced to these issues in one way or another. Like it or not, we are living in a sex-saturated culture. Kids are often exposed to subjects of a sexual nature on the playground, in conversations with friends, on television, or over the Internet. This often happens no matter what we do to shield them. This means that you’ll probably spend more time correcting faulty information than you will instructing your children in the basics.
Parents need to be prepared for this. If your kids approach you with questions, don’t be afraid to give them straightforward answers. Do your best to use kid-friendly, age-appropriate explanations. You will know best how to tailor your responses to the specific needs and the maturity level of each individual child. Be honest, open, and direct. Don’t overload them with information they haven’t requested.
If you run into difficulties or find that you have additional questions, feel free to call our Counseling department for a free consultation.
Resources
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex
The Focus on the Family Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Sex
Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality
Referrals
John Rosemond: Parenting with Love and Leadership
Articles
Reliable Resources for Teaching Children About Marriage, Sexuality and Homosexuality
