‘When Should I Have “The Talk” with My Kids?’ and Other Questions
Talking to your kids about sex, relationships, and identity can feel overwhelming. But as Barrett Johnson shares in the final part of our special Raising Faithful Kids edition of TalkItUp, these are conversations parents can’t afford to avoid.
Barrett, the author of The Talks and Disciple Them Like Jesus, emphasizes that parents—not schools, media, or even the Church—are responsible for shaping their children’s understanding of biblical sexuality.
“This is a parent’s responsibility,” he says. “Your kids need to hear truth from you before they hear lies from somewhere else.”
So where do you start? Here are three important insights he gives for having “the talk” with your kids:
1. Have the Talk Sooner Than You Think
Many parents wait too long to discuss sex with their kids, hoping to shield them from difficult topics. But in today’s media-saturated world, children are exposed to sexual content at a young age. Barrett encourages parents to start the conversation earlier than they might expect, saying, “If you don’t talk to them first, the culture will.”
2. Make It a Meaningful Milestone
Instead of treating the talk as a one-time, awkward conversation, Barrett suggests turning it into a special event. He shares how he and his wife took their children on a ten-year-old trip—a weekend getaway where they introduced age-appropriate discussions about growing up, relationships, and God’s design for sex.
3. Teach a Positive, Biblical View of Sexuality
Many Christian parents unintentionally frame sex as something bad—a topic to be avoided until marriage. But Barrett challenges this mindset: “Tell your kids sex is amazing. It’s designed by God. Just teach them the right time and place for it.”
This episode also dives into practical topics like dating, technology’s influence, and how to guard children against pornography. Barrett offers real-world advice and biblical wisdom to help parents navigate these challenges with confidence.
Stream the episode below or listen on your preferred podcast platform for more on talking about sex, relationships, and identity with your kids!