Author: Wick

Parents…please talk to your children about sex!!! Do NOT leave it up to others to do this very important element of parenting. No matter how “unqualified” you may think you are….the fact that you have children to talk about it to shows that you at least have a rudimentary understanding of the process! Public education, culture, television, church….these can all help or hurt the process…but none of these should ever be substituted or relied on for being your child’s primary source of understanding.

Some keys for approaching:

1. A blanket approach may not work. Each child has a different level of understanding, and different questions/issues they may have. A “group” or “family” discussion can be helpful, but make sure you also have personal time with each child.

2. Don’t avoid “dirty” words. Even if you get red in the face, blunt honesty with your child lets them know this is a topic you’re willing to love them enough to approach. This doesn’t mean certain “slang” terms…but the everyday ones that we try and make up nicer words for.

3. Do it more than once! Your children are new people every day! Don’t assume that a 12 year old agreeing with you will end up being a 15 year old with no questions.

4. YOU know your children better than any 10 step system, or 3 category process of “how to speak to your children about important issues”. Be honest, show them your heart, and share with them God’s design for a loving relationship.

5. PRAY AS OFTEN AS YOU LOVE YOUR CHILD. They face a world of temptations on a regular basis…we believe in prayer, right? Let’s do it then.

This is not an exhaustive, or an experts list. Just a 26 year old parent of 2 baby girls….who loves teenagers, and their families, and realizes that far too many people will be watching to see what Nickelodeon can teach their children for them about sex.

For the record, I do not think they should be stealing this role from the millions of parents who probably won’t even realize it’s been stolen.

We were taking communion last night, and I had gum in my mouth. I didn’t feel bad about it though, because I love gum, and almost always have some in my mouth. It’s just the matter of getting through communion without anyone else knowing you’re not only chewing the elements, but some minty fresh gum as well.

I’ve gotten better and better at this. Allow the bread and the wine (grape juice) to just slide right past, as I tuck the gum into the corner of my mouth. It almost doesn’t affect my gum chewing at all. At least, as far as anyone else can see.

Truth is…it really does affect my gum chewing. No matter how much I try to not let the square of bread, or cup of wine (again…grape juice) affect my mouth, they do. The residue of the eating/drinking experience. The tiny grains of bread, or leftover taste of grape.

The gum never quite tastes the same as it did before. Almost sometimes to the point where I’d like to spit it out. But did I mention how much I love gum?

So I just keep chewing. My bland, communion filled gum.
Maybe someday I’ll spit it out. Or just find a brand new piece.

Or maybe…I should get rid of the gum altogether. Allowing myself to focus 100% on the taste and texture of the Eucharist. Could that be better than gum?

I remember growing up, as screwed up as my family became eventually, there was one thing I value about our collective Christmas celebration. All the aunts and uncles, and cousins, and brothers and sisters, and grandparents would gather around the basement at my grandparents house. Grandpa would light the “Christmas candle”, and someone would read the story from scripture before any presents could be opened.

The candle had been purchased in Israel, from what I can remember. In a tribute to that tradition…we have a carved wooden candle-holder from Israel in our living room. I look forward to incorporating it into Addison’s future memories of the Holidays.

As a kid? Hated it. It was stupid, and boring, and the presents were all right there in front of us.

As a parent/adult? Love it. A method that helps us to remember what life is about, and show a little self-restraint/discipline. Not just this day, this paper-ripping food-shoveling fest. But this season, and this life. The waiting on….arrival of….life with….crucifixion….and resurrection…and promise of a return to completion….Christ. To view that as a gift, and not something we could ever earn.

As you enjoy this video X-mas card from the Wings’….think of a tradition your family had…not the psychotic ones, but the ones that looking back on….you see the value in. Okay, feel free to list a crazy one too…