Parent Talk: Gender, Identity, Sexuality Conversations

Talking with our kids about gender, sexuality, and identity can feel intimidating. We may worry about saying too much, saying too little, or simply saying the wrong thing. But when our kids bring us questions, we don't have to panic. A question isn't an emergency. A question is an invitation to disciple them.

🌎 Start With God's Good Design

Before talking about everything that's broken or confusing, give your kids a beautiful picture of what God created.

• ❤️ God made every person in His image.
• 🧍 God made our bodies, and our bodies are good gifts from Him.
• 👦👧 God made people male and female.
• 🤝 Men and women have equal dignity and value because both are made in God's image.
• 👑 Ultimately, we belong to God.

💬 Tell the Truth Simply

Answer the question your child is actually asking, not every question you're afraid they might ask someday.

• 👂 Ask, "What made you wonder about that?" Then listen.
• 🧒 Give age-appropriate answers your child can understand today.
• 📖 Clearly explain what your family believes based on God's Word.
• ❤️ Speak about people who believe differently with kindness and dignity.
• 🚪 Ask, "Does that answer your question?" and leave room for them to come back with more.

🏡 Keep The Door Open

Don't wait for the world to begin these conversations for you. Start small and add more information as your children grow.

• 👶 Teach younger kids correct names for their body parts and that their bodies are good.
• 🔒 Teach appropriate privacy and boundaries around their bodies.
• 💍 Talk positively about God's design for marriage.
• ❤️ As they grow, teach that sexual intimacy is a good gift from God designed for marriage between a man and a woman.
• 📱 Create safeguards around what your children can see online while continuing to have open conversations at home.

🙌 Encouragement for Parents

You don't need perfect words or an answer to every question. Keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep speaking truth with love. Let your home be a place where your kids know they can bring difficult, awkward, or confusing questions.

Your job isn't to win a culture war at the dinner table. Your job is to faithfully disciple the child God has given you. Keep pointing them to Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Birds & Bees Online Course — practical training for parents on talking with kids about sex, bodies, pornography, reproduction, and ongoing conversations.
• Mom, Dad...What’s Sex? by Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick
• God’s Design for Sex Series by Stan and Brenna Jones
• How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex by Stan and Brenna Jones
• Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jenson
• God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
• What Do I Say When...? by Andrew T. Walker and Christian Walker

Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co