In today’s pervasively secular culture, it’s more essential than ever that Christian parents intentionally guide their growing children to cultivate a biblical worldview on all issues—including the complex topics of sexuality and gender. But as a parent, how do you prepare to have these nuanced discussions in an informed, age-appropriate, and Christ-centered way?
From Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview and host of the Foundation Worldview Podcast, comes this how-to handbook for confidently talking about sex, gender, and the Bible with children between the ages of 4 and 12. Inside you’ll find biblically grounded answers to some of Christian parents’ most common questions, including How old should my child be when I first introduce the topic of sex? How do I explain what the Bible teaches about same-sex relationships and transgender identities? Why (and when) do I need to talk to my child about uncomfortable topics like pornography and masturbation? How do I encourage my child to have a biblical view of sex and gender in a world that doesn’t? What if I mess this up? Discover the tools you need to disciple your child with confidence and grace! Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design is a thoughtful, timely, and practical resource that will coach you through some of the most foundational conversations you can have with your children.
This is a great resource! Designed for parents of children ages 4-12, this book is organized in short chapters that all center around different aspects of sexuality and gender and how to approach conversations with your kids from a Biblical perspective. This resource always has us going to the Bible with our kids first, but also gives ways to phrase things that are age appropriate. There are numerous times that things are sectioned out on how to differently word things for kids under 8 versus for older kids. This is a resource that I am going to immediately start right back at the beginning with my kiddos. I wish I had this resource when my first child was 3! My only complaint is that she mentions multiple times how we should instruct our kids not to point out the sin in others. I'm reminded of the Bible verse about "out of the mouths of babes." I don't really agree with the idea that only adults can hold other people accountable (my children point out where I fall short at times and it is a great teaching experience for us). However, there is so much other good in this book and everything is so well written and organized.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Truly a solidly helpful book about discussing sexuality and gender with your children. Elizabeth consistently reminds us that God’s good design is best and this is an essential catechesis for our children to understand. I wish I had this years ago when I was gathering resources for this topic!
While I don’t necessarily agree with the author on all her points, this would be a great starting place for parents who feel overwhelmed by the idea of these discussions.
Overall a solid resource, but the content is quite repetitive and high-level, and I was surprised some topics and resources weren't included.
Most chapters begin by highlighting "God's good design", and also, quite a few chapters address fears and anxieties about having conversations with your kids, both of which have been condensed into more focused chapters, respectively; also, many "questions" are very similar, whereas I would have preferred if the chapters were consolidated so the "answers" were more thorough and in-depth (better examples, scripts, and nuanced scenarios especially).
There were some questions that seemed less pertinent or more subjective (such as modesty), and on the other hand, quite a few that seem relevant or "basic" but were not addressed (such as when someone has a baby if unmarried or in a gay relationship; remarriage and blended families; and guiding children if their friend's parents are going through a divorce, or in a gay relationship).
Lastly, it would be helpful to include an index, topical Bible verses list, recommended resources, and/or quick reference guide for scripts. This more practical content is buried!
A sacrilegious political screed that seeks to paint modern anti-LGBT values as “biblical” in order to whitewash their own ideology. This is propaganda designed to destroy families and turn children into automatons.
Overall, it was helpful with telling me how to talk about sex with my kids biblically but I felt some of it to be kind of legalistic. I felt there were a couple chapters where she presented her opinions as biblical facts.