“There is nothing that beats conversation with our kids.” Today we’re chatting with Erin Mashaw about the new book she co-authored, A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity. We touch on purity culture, pornography, and the constantly shifting cultural values around us. Erin shared the importance of having small conversations early and often and offered practical tips for getting over the awkwardness! Our hope is that you will be encouraged to engage in new conversations this week in your home and feel equipped that YOU are the best source of information for your child. Psst - pop some earbuds in for this one!

Episode Recap:

3:20 What is the difference between integrity and purity?

6:54 ‘The Talk’ is no longer one marathon session, it’s simpler than that!

8:30: Is it possible to make these conversations less awkward?

11:37 Your mind is your most important sex organ

14:00 Teach your kids to live by the Integrity Code

18:30 How do we share the truth that the historical biblical sexual ethic is loving and not exclusive with kids who are seeing something different all around them?

20:30 It’s parents’ job to be the first voice speaking to our children a consistent message on sexuality

24:00 What do moms need to know about protecting our (even young) kids from being sexualized online?

30:10 It’s never too late to start this conversation!

33:00 God is writing your child’s story and His Holy Spirit will guide you as you lead your kids in this area of their lives

Scripture for Reflection:

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV): “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. When did you begin talking with your kids about topics related to sex? If you haven’t started yet, what’s holding you back? Did this episode encourage you to initiate those conversations in your home?

2. How do you define sexual integrity versus purity, and why do you think this distinction is important when talking with your children? What stood out to you in Erin’s explanation?

3. How can you be proactive in protecting your children from exposure to inappropriate content online? What strategies have worked for you, or what new steps could you take based on the information shared in this episode?

4. What does it look like to trust God with your child’s journey while still being intentional about shaping their understanding of sexual integrity?

Resources:

- Check out Karen’s new study: The Counter-Intuitive Parent on Right Now Media (https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/883497) or from the BOAW Moms store (https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/the-counter-intuitive-parent-video-series-digital-study-guide-online-access)

- Grab a copy of A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://amzn.to/3ZYzlcA

Jim Burns book, God Made Your Body (https://amzn.to/3zXRfl2) and How God Makes Babies (https://amzn.to/3NocHCU)

- More resources from HomeWord ministry: https://homeword.com/

- Download the BOAW Moms app for FREE in the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_JVZ5JB&hl=en_US&pli=1)