A special thank you to our podcast guest, Sam Black!
When Parents Stay Quiet, Kids Pay the Price w/ Sam Black
Most parents dread it. Some delay it. Others hope someone else will do it.
But the truth is, every child needs guidance when it comes to sex, identity, and integrity — and they need it from you.
As parents, we can’t afford to ignore the world our kids are growing up in. Conversations about sex aren’t optional anymore. They are essential. Here are three truths that will change how you approach “the talk.”
1. Start Early and Keep Talking
Too often, parents wait for a “perfect moment” to talk about sex. They imagine one big conversation that sets the tone forever. But that’s not how it works.
Your child is already being discipled — by media, friends, and culture. If you aren’t speaking truth into their life early, someone else is shaping their understanding.
The key? Start early and keep talking. Instead of one monumental “talk,” think of many ongoing conversations, layered over time. Each chat becomes an opportunity to plant seeds of wisdom, honesty, and biblical integrity.
It’s less about getting everything right in one shot and more about building trust through consistency.
2. Play Both Offense and Defense
Think of parenting like a game. On defense, you protect your child from harm — setting boundaries on devices, monitoring what they consume, and saying “no” to unhealthy influences.
But if parenting is only defense, you’re always reacting. Your kids need offense too. That means teaching them God’s design for sex, showing them what healthy love looks like, and equipping them to make wise choices before temptation strikes.
Defense keeps out the danger. Offense builds strength, confidence, and vision. A balanced approach does both.
3. It’s Not IF, It’s WHEN
Many parents secretly believe: “Maybe my kid won’t struggle with this.” But the reality is, in today’s world, exposure to pornography, confusion about identity, and cultural pressures are inevitable.
The question isn’t if your child will encounter these things. It’s when.
That mindset shift changes everything. When you realize it’s a matter of when, you stop playing catch-up. You prepare. You become proactive. And you’re ready to walk with your child through the questions and challenges before they feel alone.
The Parent God Called You to Be
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a professional counselor or theologian to guide your kids. You just need to show up, be consistent, and speak with love and truth.
Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent. They need a present parent. One who takes the time to talk, listen, and walk alongside them through a confusing world.
If you wait, culture will fill the silence. If you speak, you can shape your child’s heart and mind toward God’s good design.
So don’t delay. Start today. Start small. And keep going.
