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Mom, Dad...What's Sex?: Giving Your Kids a Gospel-Centered View of Sex and Our Culture
A Healthy View of Sexuality Starts with God
God created sex to be good. But our culture is drifting away from a biblical worldview and is promoting an unhealthy view of sexuality. The church has taken a defensive approach, giving our kids a long list of "do nots" with few words of hope or redemption.
Do you want something better for your child?
Rediscover God's plan for sexuality and instill a positive perspective of sex and identity in your children. Mom, Dad...What's Sex? will equip you to
help your child learn what God's Word—and today's culture—say about sex
understand the influence pop culture and social media have on your kid
share a gospel-centered, hopeful message with your son or daughter
Give your child a healthy view of sexuality grounded in biblical truth—recognizing the gift of intimacy, the reality of brokenness, and the redeeming work of the Savior.
God created sex to be good. But our culture is drifting away from a biblical worldview and is promoting an unhealthy view of sexuality. The church has taken a defensive approach, giving our kids a long list of "do nots" with few words of hope or redemption.
Do you want something better for your child?
Rediscover God's plan for sexuality and instill a positive perspective of sex and identity in your children. Mom, Dad...What's Sex? will equip you to
help your child learn what God's Word—and today's culture—say about sex
understand the influence pop culture and social media have on your kid
share a gospel-centered, hopeful message with your son or daughter
Give your child a healthy view of sexuality grounded in biblical truth—recognizing the gift of intimacy, the reality of brokenness, and the redeeming work of the Savior.
Audiobook
Published May 8, 2018
21 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Thompson
14 books56 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Jessica Thompson grew up in Southern California, the second child of Phil and Elyse Fitzpatrick.
When not homeschooling, Jessica helps her mother with correspondence and scheduling conferences and speaks at women’s conferences. In 2010, along with her mom, she collaborated on the book, “Give them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus”, to be released by Crossway in Spring of 2011. A confirmed SoCal girl, Jessica loves the beach, daily walks and most of all her beloved San Diego Padres.
Jessica Thompson grew up in Southern California, the second child of Phil and Elyse Fitzpatrick.
When not homeschooling, Jessica helps her mother with correspondence and scheduling conferences and speaks at women’s conferences. In 2010, along with her mom, she collaborated on the book, “Give them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus”, to be released by Crossway in Spring of 2011. A confirmed SoCal girl, Jessica loves the beach, daily walks and most of all her beloved San Diego Padres.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 17, 2022
Great overview with Biblical guidelines for talking with your kids about sex, beyond the “rules” to the beauty and picture representation. Highly recommend for all parents who want a wholistic, Biblical perspective. Don’t wait to have these conversations with your kids or assume they don’t have questions!
July 7, 2023
A balanced, simple book, a good companion to help you orient your discussions about sex with your children (teens mostly, I’d say, based on the level of depth / seriousness of the material covered) towards the core issue, the heart issue and the hope of the gosple.
Main takeaways:
*in our culture sex is either too important (the must-have and the all-end of any truly fulfilling experience)
or not important at all (can have it with anyone anytime, no big deal) + it has really been enthroned as having identity value: we are defining ourselves not as image-bearers of God but based on our sexual inclinations. Sex cannot really hold such a heavy title and it does let us down.
“Our sexual goodness/badness/desires - None of that is meant to reveal our true identity. None of it can bare the weight of sustaining our humanness.”
*we also have to be aware of the way the Church has had its slips on the matter. Ex. the point is the gospel not sexual purity. You may place as many rules as there can be and still have a covetous heart and lustful imagination. Only Christ can be the ultimate point of anything. Nor can you pat yourself on your back for a clean record and demand/expect the best sex there is. (It is true that manipulation with false promises and predictions of dreadful rejection has been many a christian’s tactics to keep their young in check).
Another wrong turn the Church has made is to turn our backs on the sexually broken, unaware that we all are in different ways in the same boat and unaware also of the redemptive power of God - i did enjoy the section on showing the ugly sex stories that God has restored in the genealogy of Jesus. Nothing is beyond His grace.
*sex, even in its best form and rightful place, though a great blessing and refreshment, still leaves us longing for more. It is a signpost toward our ultimate union with Christ, the perfect intimacy our hearts long for. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”. There will be no sex in heaven because there will be the real thing. This is hope for everyone, the celibate also. (BTW, I also appreciated the positive light the book shedded on celibacy - it lacked in the Christian-subculture I lived in).
Main takeaways:
*in our culture sex is either too important (the must-have and the all-end of any truly fulfilling experience)
or not important at all (can have it with anyone anytime, no big deal) + it has really been enthroned as having identity value: we are defining ourselves not as image-bearers of God but based on our sexual inclinations. Sex cannot really hold such a heavy title and it does let us down.
“Our sexual goodness/badness/desires - None of that is meant to reveal our true identity. None of it can bare the weight of sustaining our humanness.”
*we also have to be aware of the way the Church has had its slips on the matter. Ex. the point is the gospel not sexual purity. You may place as many rules as there can be and still have a covetous heart and lustful imagination. Only Christ can be the ultimate point of anything. Nor can you pat yourself on your back for a clean record and demand/expect the best sex there is. (It is true that manipulation with false promises and predictions of dreadful rejection has been many a christian’s tactics to keep their young in check).
Another wrong turn the Church has made is to turn our backs on the sexually broken, unaware that we all are in different ways in the same boat and unaware also of the redemptive power of God - i did enjoy the section on showing the ugly sex stories that God has restored in the genealogy of Jesus. Nothing is beyond His grace.
*sex, even in its best form and rightful place, though a great blessing and refreshment, still leaves us longing for more. It is a signpost toward our ultimate union with Christ, the perfect intimacy our hearts long for. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”. There will be no sex in heaven because there will be the real thing. This is hope for everyone, the celibate also. (BTW, I also appreciated the positive light the book shedded on celibacy - it lacked in the Christian-subculture I lived in).
April 20, 2018
This is an excellent book not only on talking about sex with kids, but more importantly on building a positive sexual ethic in them. Too often we look at and teach about sex in ways that turn it into something forbidden. Instead, we should understand that sex is a beautiful gift from God to be enjoyed in the proper marriage relationship and which points us to the reality of Jesus’ love for the church. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2019
Excellent resource for parents or anyone working with children and youth. Share the beauty of how God intended sex. This book will help you have strong Biblical conversations !
August 25, 2018
Mom, Dad...What's Sex? by Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick is a wonderful book for parents that need explain sex to their kids. The authors do a great job examining the Scriptures and providing a comprehensive framework in which to understand sex and how God sees it. Focusing on who we were created to be, the authors provide wonderful talking points to help parents focus their discussions with their children. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
June 8, 2023
Jessica & Joel have done a great job of writing a book on sexual ethics from a biblical worldview. The title says it all - it really does present a Gospel-centered view of sex and our culture, and it's presented in a way that shouldn't be overly difficult to communicate to kids when you're preparing for "the talk" - or, more accurately, "The TALKS" [extra emphasis on the plural!].
I wasn't sure what to expect of a book like this, but I really enjoyed it, and reading it was a blessing.
I wasn't sure what to expect of a book like this, but I really enjoyed it, and reading it was a blessing.
August 1, 2018
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
This is a wonderful book to start the conversation with your children about sex. This isn’t about the science of it but the religion of it. The understanding of a romantic secual relationship with your spouse and how to understand how sex is explained in the bible.
Very well written.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful book to start the conversation with your children about sex. This isn’t about the science of it but the religion of it. The understanding of a romantic secual relationship with your spouse and how to understand how sex is explained in the bible.
Very well written.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
Although the writing style ends up being a bit rambling for my taste, the content was very helpful! Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“Sex is good. This is a message that we all need to hear. It isn’t dirty to have sex! It isn’t dirty to long for your spouse! God loves pleasure. Pleasure is not innately bad—it was God’s idea to begin with. When we enjoy sex, we are actually doing what we were created to do.”
“When we are ashamed or embarrassed to talk to our kids about sex, they will go look for answers somewhere else. So encourage conversations about sex. It doesn’t have to be embarrassing. Trust me—the more you talk about it, the easier talking about it gets. The first few times might be awkward, but the more you pursue this conversation, the more your kids will pursue you. If they don’t want to talk about it, just let them know you are available.”
“Sex outside the God-given confines seems great at first, but the problem is that connections are made during the act of sex that no relationship outside of the commitment of marriage can handle, and eventually it turns bitter and brings pain.”
“Our sexual goodness, our sexual badness, our sexual desires…none of that is meant to reveal our true identity. None of it can bear the weight of sustaining our humanness. Only the truth that we are image bearers who have been loved and redeemed can sustain us in the search for meaning.”
“How do you talk in your home about people with differing sexual views? Do you belittle them? Or do you honor them as image bearers who are broken? Our kids can see the hypocrisy in being judgmental and graceless. The model of tolerating others is so much more appealing to them, especially if they are struggling sexually. The model of judging others is appealing to them if they are being sexually pure. We must teach them the unchanging truth, but we must also teach them that we can love those who disagree with us.”
“Celibacy is a good thing. Our Lord was celibate. Sex does not make you more human, and marriage does not make you more valuable.”
“It is easier to conjure an image of a settled person than it is to describe one. The settled person is the person who walks into a room and doesn’t need to be seen with the most important people. They don’t put on a front in order to be liked. They are their own person. This person doesn’t act for other people’s approval. They are settled with who they are, and they love others out of that settledness. They are not aloof, but engage with each person individually. They are not rushed, they enjoy being with you, and they are not looking for a more important conversation.”
“Be purposeful when you talk to your kids about the rules. Make them plain, but as much as you can, avoid making the rules the point. The point is always Jesus. If your kids think your rules are unnecessarily harsh, be willing to hear them. Don’t always assume you are right. Keep an attitude of humility—yes, even with your kids. And if your kids are hell-bent on not following the rules, pray for them. Take them to Jesus. You may have to take some drastic measures with them. Your relationship with them may be broken for a while. Do what you think God is calling you to do and then trust him. His grace is sufficient. “
“Sex is good. This is a message that we all need to hear. It isn’t dirty to have sex! It isn’t dirty to long for your spouse! God loves pleasure. Pleasure is not innately bad—it was God’s idea to begin with. When we enjoy sex, we are actually doing what we were created to do.”
“When we are ashamed or embarrassed to talk to our kids about sex, they will go look for answers somewhere else. So encourage conversations about sex. It doesn’t have to be embarrassing. Trust me—the more you talk about it, the easier talking about it gets. The first few times might be awkward, but the more you pursue this conversation, the more your kids will pursue you. If they don’t want to talk about it, just let them know you are available.”
“Sex outside the God-given confines seems great at first, but the problem is that connections are made during the act of sex that no relationship outside of the commitment of marriage can handle, and eventually it turns bitter and brings pain.”
“Our sexual goodness, our sexual badness, our sexual desires…none of that is meant to reveal our true identity. None of it can bear the weight of sustaining our humanness. Only the truth that we are image bearers who have been loved and redeemed can sustain us in the search for meaning.”
“How do you talk in your home about people with differing sexual views? Do you belittle them? Or do you honor them as image bearers who are broken? Our kids can see the hypocrisy in being judgmental and graceless. The model of tolerating others is so much more appealing to them, especially if they are struggling sexually. The model of judging others is appealing to them if they are being sexually pure. We must teach them the unchanging truth, but we must also teach them that we can love those who disagree with us.”
“Celibacy is a good thing. Our Lord was celibate. Sex does not make you more human, and marriage does not make you more valuable.”
“It is easier to conjure an image of a settled person than it is to describe one. The settled person is the person who walks into a room and doesn’t need to be seen with the most important people. They don’t put on a front in order to be liked. They are their own person. This person doesn’t act for other people’s approval. They are settled with who they are, and they love others out of that settledness. They are not aloof, but engage with each person individually. They are not rushed, they enjoy being with you, and they are not looking for a more important conversation.”
“Be purposeful when you talk to your kids about the rules. Make them plain, but as much as you can, avoid making the rules the point. The point is always Jesus. If your kids think your rules are unnecessarily harsh, be willing to hear them. Don’t always assume you are right. Keep an attitude of humility—yes, even with your kids. And if your kids are hell-bent on not following the rules, pray for them. Take them to Jesus. You may have to take some drastic measures with them. Your relationship with them may be broken for a while. Do what you think God is calling you to do and then trust him. His grace is sufficient. “
January 10, 2021
I thought the first part of the book was FANTASTIC! If was such an amazing introduction to reframing our own understanding of sex and what we want to communicate to our children. I thought the title was incredibly misleading because this book is geared toward parents of teenagers—not young children who might actually ask what sex is. I’m not in agreement with the theology of the latter part of the book. Bad sexual choices is not all about horrid sexual sin that puts their salvation in question. I questioned some of their other theology as well. But I appreciated the emphasis on the negative aspects of pornography and the damage it can cause.
May 3, 2023
Overall this book does a good job of placing sex in the framework of scripture. It highlights the importance of having conversations with your kids and the importance of doing that early. It was a little strange to read a book written by a brother and sister, only because as a man I was getting both viewpoints or avenues into the conversation. While that was helpful to see and understand, I feel like it may not be the best book for every person. Overall it has helped me process some of the ways I dive into some of the deeper topics or ongoing conversation with my kids.
October 30, 2020
This was a pretty good book. It’s definitely geared toward teens. It’s written from both a man and a woman which I think is helpful. They talk a lot of your own views of sex bc that will inform how you respond talk to your kids. There are lots of topics that affect your view of sex/sexuality and they somehow discuss each one- porn, identity, friendship, and value.
This isn’t a “how to” book to explain sex but more a guide for how to create ongoing conversations.
This isn’t a “how to” book to explain sex but more a guide for how to create ongoing conversations.
October 6, 2020
Though I enjoyed hearing what the authors had to say on the topic, this was definitely not geared to parents of children who are first asking the question, “what’s sex?” I’d love to pick it up again when my children are in their early teens, as it addresses conversations you could have with older kids about sex, porn, lust, etc.
July 17, 2019
By far, the best book I have read on this topic. Essential reading for every Christian parent. Highly encouraged that we are on the right track with how we have approached this topic in our home and challenged to grow even more!
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October 9, 2020If you have kids, this needs to be on your list to read.
March 1, 2022
Great book, doesn't give scripts or tell you what to say, but rather helps you think about it with a gospel centered view and how to help your kids have the same.
May 20, 2024
I loved the book, however I was hoping there would be more, “this is how you talk to your kids about sex.” There were a lot of great points and I will probably have my husband read it too.
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January 24, 2025Read for PSYC 365
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews