Your child just asked you a question that made you freeze up. Whether it's about circumcision after Sunday school, what sex is, or something they read in the Bible, difficult questions from kids can catch Christian parents off guard. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert shares three essential principles for handling sensitive topics with children. Learn why YOU must be the primary source of answers, how to use Bible words confidently, and the art of giving age-appropriate responses without overwhelming little minds.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction: Handling difficult questions from little kids
2:36 - Principle #1: YOU must be the source of answers
4:50 - Principle #2: Use Bible words confidently
6:44 - Principle #3: Be age-appropriate in your responses
7:40 - Example: "What is sex?" - Simple, truthful answer
8:18 - Example: Deuteronomy question from a first-grader
Key Points
-Be the Primary Source: Your children will get answers to their difficult questions somewhere. The question is: do you want them getting answers from you or from friends, the internet, or other unreliable sources?
- Use Bible Words: If God uses certain words in Scripture, they're appropriate for your children. Don't feel nervous about using biblical language - circumcision, adultery, etc. - when explaining biblical concepts.
- Age-Appropriate Responses: Don't give more detail than children actually want or need. Often a simple, truthful answer satisfies their curiosity without overwhelming them.
- Create an Open Environment: Make it clear that no question is off-limits, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Children need to trust that parents are the best source for answers.
- Start Simple: Begin with basic explanations and let children ask follow-up questions if they need more information. Don't build the whole "watch" when they just want to know the "time."
- Biblical Foundation: Scripture equips us for every good work, including answering our children's questions. If kids are old enough to read the Bible, they're ready for Bible words. View this episode of Marked By Grace on teaching the Gospel to your children: https://youtu.be/hSlKeI3YHyI
- Modern Challenges: Today's children face more complex questions earlier than previous generations due to increased exposure to mature content and technology.
Scripture References
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." - Scripture equips us for answering children's questions
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." - Teaching God's word to children
Ephesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." - Parental responsibility for spiritual instruction
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