Vicki Hulsey
By Vicki Hulsey
TBC Childhood Ministry Specialist
When children are given more opportunities to discover God’s plan for marriage, their tendency to ask tough questions may increase as they see people they know choosing to live a lifestyle that is different than God’s design for marriage. Below are some tips to share with parents when answering tough questions:
- Take each question seriously. A child who feels embarrassed may be uncomfortable in asking questions in the future.
- Make sure responses are age appropriate. Avoid giving more information than a child asks for or needs.
- Use language a child can understand when answering questions.
- Remember that children have short attention spans.
- Before answering a question, try to think how you might have felt at this age. Keep in mind that what was confusing to you as a child may be magnified for today’s children.
- Locate Bible passages in advance to help children discover what God has to say about creation and marriage. Give the child opportunities to read the passages, preferably from his Bible. Be prepared to explain unfamiliar words.
- Refrain from turning this important time into a lecture by listening carefully to the child, encouraging him to express his own thoughts.
- Pray for God’s guidance for you and the child before, during, and after the conversation. Leave the door open for future conversations.
