"The Talk" Recap and Resources

Hey Mamas,
 I hope everyone is having a great week and embracing their messes. I know I am. It just dawned on me that I don't have any costumes for my 3 kids for the Halloween festivities this weekend and frankly, I'm too tired to care. So I guess we will be getting creative with what we have at the house and whipping up some costumes. I'm sure it will be a great weekend and the kids won't even know the difference.

Speaking of Halloween festivities, don't forget we have our October Community Outreach event this Saturday. We will be visiting the elderly residents at Parkwood Meadows at 10 am. You are encouraged to bring the entire family and wear your costumes. It will last about 45 minutes and I know the residents will be delighted to see us. You should have received and evite about the event but if you didn't, send your DGL an email and we will get an evite sent out to you. Hope to see you and your families there.

Blake Magee was our speaker at our last MOPS meeting. He made a sarcastic comment about how comfortable he felt talking about sex in room full of women but he did great. He didn't stumble at all. He also had a bunch of really useful information. Blake started off by telling us these horrible yet funny stories the pastors at HCBCRR had shared about how their parents talked to them about sex. Most of them were "what not to do" stories but nonetheless, very humorous. Below are some guidelines Blake talked to us about to make the sex talk with your kids impactful.

-It should NOT be a one time conversation, but an ongoing conversation.
     -You're telling your child they can talk to you about it anytime.
     -Reduces awkwardness.
     -Be exhaustive about it.

-Begin the conversation when your children are younger.
     -Prime age is between 8-10.
     -They aren't thinking much about sex and haven't been exposed to much.
     -They are still emotionally detached so it sounds more scientific.
     -They still see you as the authority.
     -Lay the foundation before they learn if from school.
          -Play offense not defense.
          -If your kids are around a bunch of other kids, they may know more than you think.

-Mothers should primarily talk to daughters and fathers to sons.
     -Moms can help dads plan for the first talk to make it as easy as possible.
     -Give the dad the resources.
     -Encourage the dad to talk to someone else who has had the talk with their son.

-Teach the emotional and psychological impact of sex.

-Speak with authority and confidence.


Here is a list of resources Blake provided for us to help talk to our kid about sex.

Books for Parents to Read Themselves: 

How and When to Tell to Your Kids about Sex: Shaping Their Sexual Character – Brenna Jones and Stan Jones

 The Parent Connection: A Health Education Resource for Parents of Teens – Susan Boe

 Angry Birds and Killer Bees: Talking to Your Kids about Sex – Todd Bowman

 How to Talk to Your Child about Sex – Josh McDowell

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/sexuality/teaching_children_healthy_sexuality/how_to_start_early.aspx

Books for Parents to Read to Children:

God’s Design for Sex Series: 

The Story of Me – Brenna Jones, Stan Jones, and Joel Spector

Before I was Born – Carol Nystrom

What’s the Big Deal? Why God Care about Sex – Brenna Jones and Stan Jones

Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You – Brenna Jones and Stan Jones

Passport2Purity – Dennis and Barbara Rainey  

Thank you, Blake, for taking the time to come speak to us about this subject. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your husband with us mamas for a night and for your great insight to the topic as well.

A few reminders and announcements:
-Like I mentioned above, the our October Community Outreach is this Saturday.
-If you are wanting a MOPS shirt, please get your money to your DGL. Shirts are $12 for sizes S-XL and $14 for XXL and up.
-If you haven't paid your dues for the semester, please do so. If you are unable to do so, talk to your DGL.
-Please RSVP for childcare on Monday nights if you need it. We would rather you RSVP and not end up bringing the kids than the other way around. We need to make sure we have enough workers for all the kids in attendance. \
-HCBCRR will be hosting a parent equipping class called Parenthood in the YMCA small gym on November 3 from 6-7:30 PM. The topic is "Discipling Your Children." The goal is to help equip and encourage parents in the exciting yet chalenging task of making disciples of the next generation. Parents of children from birth to 18 are invited. There will be two breakout sessions. The first for birth to 4th grade and the second for 5th-12th grade. In each session they will discuss age-appropriate ways you can lead family devotional time, help your child study the bible, and develop a plan for your family's spiritual formation. Childcare will be provided. The cost is $10 per family. Please RSVP as soon as possible. You can send us an email at roundrockmops@yahoo.com or let your DGL know.

Have a great week mamas!