The Talk

The Talk is an excellent resource that provides a step-by-step, biblically-based approach to talking with your children about sexuality.  In our sexually saturated culture, our children are in danger of being introduced to sexual misinformation and secularized values about sex at a very early age.  Luke Gilkerson wisely advises, “Foremost, when it comes to parents teaching about God’s purposes for sex, being first is critical.  Parents should want to be their child’s first and primary source of information about sex.  And in a sexually broken world, filled with ungodly messages, waiting as long as possible to talk about sex is a risk no parent should be willing to take (p. 3).”

Foremost, when it comes to parents teaching about God’s purposes for sex, being first is critical.

The Talk is recommended for children ages 6 to 10, and is laid out in 7 structured devotions.

The topics covered include:

• differences between men and women, including the differences between male and female sexual organs
• a description of sexual intercourse and how babies are conceived
• the development of human life
• the bond that is created between a man and woman through sexuality
• the sin of adultery
• rape and sexual abuse (with an emphasis on talking to parents regarding any inappropriate touch)
• the importance of honoring God with our bodies.

Each devotion is based on a portion of Scripture which emphasizes God’s love for us, and the guidelines he has given us regarding sexual behavior.  The chapters are laid out in a “script form,” and can be read word for word or adapted as a parent is comfortable.  The first few chapters include detailed diagrams, as well as links to free videos that can be watched through IntoxicatedOnLife.com.  Each devotion begins with questions that review the previous lesson, and ends with a prayer, as well as questions that encourage discussion and point to God’s love and guidance.

As a parent of young children, I have always made an effort to answer any questions my children had about sexual matters honestly.  However, I did not have plans to get into more detailed explanations for at least a couple years.  Reading this book led me to completely reconsider that mindset.  As a counselor I often work with adults who received unhealthy messages about sexuality at an early age, and continue to suffer the consequences.  I realized that I want my children’s first messages about sexuality to be the truth rooted in God’s Word, and The Talk provides a clear and comprehensive guide to do that.

I recently went through this book with my 9-year-old and 7-year-old, and it was a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. They were able to ask questions and share their thoughts in a safe and open environment, and they came away amazed at the way God has made our bodies and how He creates life.  I highly recommend this book to any parent committed to teaching their children God’s love and truth about sexuality.