As our culture gets more and more complex, it can be difficult to answer some of the questions your kids throw at you. From conversations about abortion, to LGBTQ issues and everything in between, kids/teens are bombarded with society’s views on sensitive issues. Below are just a few tips to make your conservations go just a little bit easier when your kids bring up some sensitive topics.
Create an open environment
Even before your kids have questions about topics, encourage them to approach you if they ever see or hear something that they don’t understand. Say, “We may not agree on everything, but I’m interested in what you have to say.” You may also consider talking to them about certain world events (natural disasters, wars, etc) as they happen, this helps ensure that they are getting accurate information, as opposed to sometimes biased views from other sources.
Listen to what your kids have to say
Actually listen to them! It can be easy to just be listening to have an opening to make your next point but make an effort to understand your kid’s perspective. Common Sense Media suggests “Ask open-ended questions to get kids to think more deeply about serious topics. Ask, “What did you hear?,” “What did it make you think?,” and “Why do you think that?”” They may not agree with you fully, but helping them feel heard will leave them open for further discussion.
3. Respect different worldviews and don’t ridicule them.
It can be tempting to treat other views as amusing and just ridicule them. This will always be unproductive, and un-christlike. Many things that we hear in culture may seem crazy to us, but to others are completely normal, just like how many atheists may feel about the claims of the Christian faith. Matthew 7:12 reminds us “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
4. Guide conversation back to God, and the Bible.
Our opinions and feelings must not guide our discussion. Neither do we simply want to make our child feel better. Once we ask our kids questions, we must focus on what the Bible has to say about the issue. This encourages them to seek out answers for themselves, especially as they get into the phases of their life where they assume their parents don’t know anything. It also shows them that the Bible is the ultimate framework to base our lives from, and that the Truth can be found in it.
While it can be difficult, having these conversations with your kids will be a benefit to them and you. Remember that God is with you and that if you ask for wisdom He will give it to you (James 1:5).
