Ten Essential Topics Parents Should Discuss With Their Children

Conversations that matter.

What are the essential topics parents should discuss with their children?

King Solomon said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3:1&7. Wisdom discerns the timing.

Talking less or talking more: How does a parent determine which is appropriate and when? Regarding our children’s faith formation, we should probably talk more. Not lecture – talk. Talking is communicating and discussing.

Building faith through dialogue.

When my children lived at home, my wife and I intentionally used teachable moments to discuss faith. While we frequently chatted about Jesus with our children, the most significant conversations occurred at the dinner table.

The Bible says we must talk about God from the time we get up in the morning until we fall into bed at night (Deuteronomy 6:7). For many Christian parents, this probably means we should converse more, not less.

Topics parents should discuss with their children.

Effective communication is a two-way street. It involves thoughtful sharing and active listening. While most parents recognize the need to engage in meaningful dialogue with their children, they’re sometimes unsure about what topics to discuss or how to talk about them. Here, then, are ten topics parents should discuss with their children:

1. Jesus.

Talk about Jesus more than anyone or anything else. Use the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, to help your children get to know Him. Share why you love and live for Him. Explain how He’s the foundation on which your family is built. Discuss why we follow and fellowship with Him.

2. Bible.

Chat about why you prioritize the Bible as the Book of books. Debate with older children why a biblical worldview is preferable to a secular worldview. Grapple with why and how the Bible is the Word of God. Don’t avoid talking about complex doctrines or interpretive challenges.

3. Church.

Many children leave the church when they leave home simply because they don’t know how to choose a church. Discuss why God wants us involved in a faith community. Invite questions about what we do or don’t do in the church. Acknowledge the church’s shortcomings.

4. Relationships.

Faith is navigated in the context of relationships. Examine what God says about relationships and the parameters of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Discuss why biblical principles and values, rather than secular ones, should inform how we relate to people.

5. Media.

Screens are within your child’s reach, so we must talk about responsible use. Help children understand why you set guidelines and limit their screen time to protect them. Discuss priorities—Jesus first, responsibilities second, entertainment third.

6. Sex.

Age-appropriate discussions about sex should occur throughout childhood. Sex permeates everything in the world, so parents must be the voice of truth. Use God’s Word to discuss gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, marriage, and how purity is tied to our identity in Christ.

7. Money.

Don’t hide money matters from your children. Teach children how and why we should live by God’s money management principles. Discuss good and bad debt, generosity, and live plainly and prudently. Involve children in family financial decisions. Admit financial blunders.

8. Justice.

Converse about how we can biblically and caringly respond to injustice. Brainstorm together how to advocate for the sanctity of life, rescue the abused, deal with climate change, help refugees, address inequalities, alleviate poverty, and overcome evil with what is good, right and true.

9. Politics.

There’s no escaping politics; children must learn how to tackle issues. So, talk about how to analyze views and perspectives, discern truth, find reliable information, think philosophically, respond compassionately, and provide a reason for our beliefs (1 Peter 3:15).

10. Evolution.

Talk about what’s true and point out what’s false. Christian children should be able to defend why they don’t believe in evolution. Teach apologetics. Give your children the tools to refute false teachings and arguments against the authority of the Bible and the existence of God.

Have your say. Are there other essential topics parents should discuss with their children?

Tell us what topics you’d like to see covered next. Leave a suggestion in the comments, or send us a message!

Related Articles

Foundations of Faith: A Guide to Bringing Children to Jesus

Biblical Parenting: Raising Children in the Word.

Summary

Conversations play a vital role in faith formation. This article explores essential parenting discussions and emphasizes the importance of intentional faith conversations with children. Highlighting topics like Jesus, the Bible, relationships, and media, it provides guidance on building a biblical worldview and fostering healthy dialogue. Parents learn to use teachable moments in parenting to discuss complex issues like sex, money, politics, and evolution. By prioritizing open, honest communication, Christian families can strengthen their children’s spiritual foundation.

© Scripture Union, 2024

2 Corinthians 4:5