There are resources for parents on how to talk to their kids about sex and there are endless books that talk about parenting teens. However these can be idealistic and even discouraging when a parent is fighting a culture of contrary messages. One area often missed is a resource that meets parents where they are; in real time with real presenting circumstances. This book is an honest look at the struggle parents face in raising teens in a world saturated with sex. It is a look at mistakes that are common yet redeemable. It is direction in the chaos. It is a practical approach to raising kids in a world that screams messages of sex.
In this short book parents of teens will be given several practical tips on how to walk with their teen in the midst of a hyper-sexualized world. The tips come in the form of what not to do yet it does this without giving a sense of judgment or failure. Instead the book takes a look at the value of reframing the mistakes both parents and teens may have already made and gives a hopeful picture of how our compassionate Father moves toward us in weakness. Each tip offers practical help for parents seeking to keep up while navigating the teen years in this fast paced world of constant voices and messages. The book ends with a hopeful look at how parents can build better communication and relationship with their teens while remembering the fact that God is at work in both the teens and parents.
Raising Teens in a Hyper-Sexualized World is really a conversation starter. It's a short pamphlet encourages parents to begin and to carry on a conversation on sex with their teen children. Given the hyper-sexualization of our world, this book asks the question: "How do parents keep up with such a world?" Your teens will learn one way or another so it is vitally important for you to be the one doing the educating!
This book offers seven brief tips on how to engage your teen. Specifically, it is seven "don'ts." Before setting out I appreciated the focus on God's grace and particularly this line: "But like most things in the teen years, you will usually get more than one swing at issues" (4). The idea is an ongoing conversation. One that ultimately is hopeful if Christ is forefront.
First, don't overreact.
Second, don't preach or lecture.
Third, don't disconnect.
Fourth, don't think "not my kid."
Fifth, don't avoid discussing the changes they are experiencing
Sixth, don't underestimate the role you play in your teen's life.
Seventh, don't send teens the wrong message about sex.
Two criticisms that I believe would make the book better. First, I am really surprised that there is not a brief list of recommended resources, a where to go next section. I really don't understand why this is missing. A few I'd recommend adding: Shepherding a Child's Heart, Age of Opportunity, and Sex is Not the Problem (Lust is).
The second thing that is missing is any reference to the challenges presented by homosexuality. No book on sexuality should not have any discussion, even if brief, on the corruption of sexuality by homosexuality and the need for biblical thinking on this subject. Teens today are faced with a barrage of pro-homosexual propaganda and this book should have at least made reference to the issue.
I think the place this book has is really one of opening eyes and getting parents to see the absolute necessity of engaging their children as early and as often as possible specifically on the topic of sexuality.
This is an easy read in the respect that it's 46 pages. This is not an easy read in the respect that parenting teens in a hyper-sexualized world can just make one squirm at best, shutter with terror at worst. Eliza does a fabulous job at lacing plenty of encouragement throughout her 7 tips of what not to do. She also shares what to do.
The book is by no means an exhaustive approach to this topic, but I think that's a part of what makes it an absolute gem. It is short enough for anyone and everyone to read. And, in my opinion, it's one every parent with kids as young as 10 (maybe even 8) should read.
Quick read but helpful tips to parents when navigating this "hyper-sexualized" world that we live in. I would recommend any parents who currently have teenagers or pre-teens to read this important book.
It is meant to be short and practical, and this booklet is both of those things. Undergirded by sound theology, Huie gives advice and wisdom that is for parents at any stage of their parenting journey.
As a note, this book doesn't really give a theology of sex, or give you words for what to say to your teens. For that you'd need to go elsewhere. It also doesn't do much by way of giving specific boundaries, which I think is a strength. Every child, situation, and family is different. Instead the author focuses on heart attitudes and relational tips. It is definitely a resource I would buy and give out to any parents I know.
Huie’s focus is on how parents should react to their kids in talking about or dealing with sexuality: don’t overreact, lecture, disconnect, avoid, or deny it. I agree with all of it: open communication and relationship with our kids is key. But that’s as far as she gets. It’s a small 40-page booklet, so not too surprising, but if you were hoping for advice on how to talk about sexuality or what to say, this isn’t the right book.
Libro muy práctico, no solo en hablar sobre el "sexo" con hijos (o estudiantes) adolescentes, sino consejos prácticos acerca de cómo acercarse a un adolescente. Práctico y útil en unas cuantas líneas.
Short and helpful in how to communicate well with teens about sex in a culture where sex is everywhere. God gave us a wonderful gift of sex to be enjoyed in marriage. This book offers 7 tips for coming along side teens. Sexual sin is not the unforgivable sin.
Solid little guide to prepare parents to shepherd their children on matters of sexuality, presented as correctives to common reactionary mistakes we tend to make.