Five surefire tips for engaging with your kids on today’s news!

By Katrina Cheshire

We live in a wild and weird world. Current events are often not suitable for little ears. And yet, our children are going to hear things, and we want to be the ones to tell them. How should we talk to our kids about current events, considering the times that we live in?

Homosexuality, abortion, school shootings, murder, Covid, and more. The list seems to never end. Every generation has faced a struggle, a crisis of some kind, but this really does seem to be the generation full of issues that just aren’t suited for little ears. When do we talk to our kids about these things? What is the perfect age, and how much do we reveal?

You are the best person to tell them

If you’re wondering and struggling about how to discuss these things with your kids, just keep in mind that you are the best person to tell them! You know your child far better than any teacher, friend, or even a grandparent ever will. They need to hear the truth about these issues from YOU. And, that being the case, you may need to talk to them sooner rather than later. Use your own judgment and wisdom about what to say and when to say it. 

Every child will be ready at a different time

We’re purposely not mentioning the ages that you should discuss these topics at, because one size doesn’t fit all. Every child will be ready at a different age. If your kids go to school, they’re probably going to need these issues explained to them sooner, because they’re going to hear things. 

Think it through as parents and pray about it. Even if your kids are homeschooled, they may hear references to issues such as abortion and homosexuality at church. Do you want to explain what these phrases mean to them before they’ve become hardened to hearing them? Or would you rather they live in innocence a little while longer? One thing to keep in mind: if you explain these issues to them before they’ve become hardened to hearing about them, the reality of how wrong they are may have a lasting impact on their lives, in a good way. 

It’s a tricky path to walk, because it’s hard to know just how much a child is observing and paying attention to. Again, you as a parent know your child, and you are the best judge of what they’re picking up on. Always encourage your children that they can come talk to you about ANYTHING, and listen with a loving and non judgmental heart!

Don’t be brutally graphic, but don’t gloss over the sin, either

Explaining abortion to your child or tween doesn’t necessarily mean you need to describe the process. You can simply explain to them that it ends a child’s life. Similarly, talking about homosexuality doesn’t mean you have to discuss details of sexual perversion, if your child isn’t ready or doesn’t need to hear that. If, on the other hand, they’ve been exposed to something graphic, pray over it with them. Remind them that it’s a result of the twisted, fallen world that we live in. 

Don’t ever excuse the sin away. Remind your kids that God loves these people unendingly, but that these issues are straight from the pit of Hell. Talk through with them what it looks like in daily life to love a person and hate their sin. Discuss how they should act and what they should say if a friend supports these issues. 

Keep communication open

Encourage your kids to come to you with their questions. If they hear something from a friend or at school, you want them to come straight to you! For them to actually feel comfortable enough to do this, you have to constantly remind them that you love them, in both words and actions. If they’re afraid that you’re going to be angry with them, or condemn them, they’re not going to come to you. 

Always point your children to Scripture

In this crooked culture that we live in, we need a straight, true measuring rod to hold up against the world. Without that, we can forget just how twisted and messed up this world really is. Praise God that we have that measuring rod, in the gift of His Word. Always point your kids back to Scripture. Remind them of the inerrancy of Scripture, and the truth that God’s Word not only holds, but IS. 

The Bible is very clear on these types of issues. Encourage your kids to memorize Scripture. When you know the Bible in your head and heart, you will immediately have an answer when someone challenges you on what the Bible says. It adds SO much credibility to your point of view if you don’t have to go look up a verse! Raise your kids to know and love their Bibles, and they will be set on a good foundation for the rest of their lives!

Below are some great Bible passages to talk about current issues with your kids:

Homosexuality: Genesis 1:27 Romans 1:18-32, Genesis 19:4-29

Abortion/Baby sacrifice/Life in the womb: Leviticus 20:1-2, Psalm 139:13-16, Leviticus 18:21

Murder: Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17

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The opinions in this article are specific to its author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Counter Culture Mom team.

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Katrina Cheshire is a home school and Bible college graduate and the author of Seller of Dreams. She is passionate about good stories and the power they can have in shaping a life.

With seven siblings her life is full of adventure and excitement! She loves to design and sew clothing. She enjoys writing endless stories and read even more of them. You can find her making music with her brothers and sisters or dancing for the glory of God.

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