In Brief: How to Parent Through Pride Month
Families need a plan of action for how to encourage and properly teach children.
“Look, Mommy! A rainbow flag!” That quote from her four-year-old daughter is how Elise Temme, a mom of three young children, began her piece outlining some practical tips for teaching your kids during Prime Month, when rainbow flags and other displays are everywhere.
It’s unfortunate, she says, that we now have to address this with very young children instead of waiting until more appropriate ages. But that’s the world we live in, as the Rainbow Mafia shoves this down our throats. “How will you answer your young children when they come to you with questions and observations about homosexuality?” she asks. A plan is “imperative,” she argues, so she offers these “five practical suggestions.”
First, read Genesis 1-3 as a family. The biblical accounts of creation and the fall into sin not only reveal God’s design for marriage and families, but are also reminders of how that order is subverted. Additionally, it is important to remember that all sin is sin in God’s eyes, whether it is theft, homosexuality, dishonesty, gossip, etc. Speaking the truth about God’s created order must be done in love.
Second, read Genesis 6-9. The biblical account of Noah, the flood, and God’s ensuing covenant reminds us of God’s promises, particularly His guarantee to protect His own in the ark of faith through Christ Jesus. Furthermore, this passage presents the perfect opportunity to discuss the true origin of the rainbow.
Third, invest in quality literature to teach your children about human sexuality in an age-appropriate fashion. I recommend Concordia Publishing House’s Learning About Sex series. While I have only utilized the first book in the series, Why Boys and Girls are Different, I do know that the series is well-written, builds upon itself gradually, and is straightforward, allowing parents to use it with discretion according to their children’s needs. I would also recommend reading series such as this on your own before reading them with your child in order to anticipate their questions ahead of time.
Fourth, rejoice with your children in their identities beyond their sexuality. Everyone has many stations in life to which they are called, whether that be a brother, sister, son, daughter, student, friend, cousin, neighbor, etc. Recognize unique attributes in your children and discuss the importance of these unique vocations with them.
Fifth, remind yourself that you cannot control every single item or agenda your children are exposed to, but you can control how you address these things. As parents, we of course must be discerning and proactive about the movies, books, TV shows, and social media accessible to our children. However, there is no way to completely shield them from the brokenness of the world. The best thing we can do is continue in our calling as parents — leading our children by example, guiding them in the truth, and equipping them to remain steadfast.
