Show Notes
What happens when kids start questioning what they've always believed? This week, Georgia and Lauren explore why curiosity, doubt and tough questions are actually a healthy part of growing up. They unpack the concepts of the Borrowed Self, Unravelling Self and Woven Self, share practical parenting strategies, and discuss how connection, safety and meaningful conversations can help young people develop a faith that's truly their own. In this episode: Why questioning can be a sign of growth, not rebellion The three stages of identity development How to create a safe space for difficult conversations Practical tools for parenting and discipleship Building connection before correction A thoughtful conversation for parents navigating the challenges and opportunities of raising resilient, faith-filled young people. Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Parental Discretion
Are we helping young people follow rules, or helping them develop genuine faith and conviction? In this episode of Parental Discretion, Lauren and Georgia explore how rule-based conversations about sex and relationships can unintentionally create shame, secrecy, or confusion. They discuss the importance of helping young people understand why their beliefs matter, creating safe spaces for questions, and equipping them with both biblical wisdom and practical knowledge. In this episode: Why understanding the why behind beliefs matters. The limitations of a rules-based approach to sexuality. How curiosity and questions can strengthen faith. The importance of accurate sexual health education. Practical encouragement for parents navigating these conversations. Your child doesn't need you to have all the answers. They simply need a safe adult who is willing to listen, learn, and keep the conversation going. Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lauren and Georgia explore two influential messages many Christians have encountered growing up: the silence surrounding conversations about sexuality, and the belief that sexual desire itself is something bad or shameful. Drawing on personal experiences, stories from schools and churches, and biblical reflection, they unpack how these messages can shape our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our faith. The conversation highlights why healthy, age-appropriate discussions about bodies, puberty, attraction, relationships and sexuality are so important, particularly for young people seeking answers in an increasingly complex world. Lauren and Georgia also challenge the common confusion between desire and lust, exploring how God-designed attraction differs from self-focused behaviours that objectify others. Key points they cover: The impact of silence and taboo around sexuality in Christian communities. How young people interpret the messages adults communicate, even when nothing is explicitly said. Why unanswered questions can lead to confusion, shame, and misinformation. A powerful story from a puberty education session that highlights the importance of normalising conversations about growing up. The difference between desire, attraction and lust, and why they should not be treated as the same thing. How church messages about sexuality can affect both men and women in different ways. Why sexual desire is not inherently bad, but a powerful part of being human that requires wisdom and healthy understanding. The importance of creating safe spaces where curiosity can be met with truth, empathy and grace Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Georgia and Lauren explore the impact of church culture and purity culture on conversations about sex, relationships, identity, and faith. They unpack how well-intentioned messages about purity often left many young people carrying shame, fear, and confusion, while missing the central message of God's grace and redemption. Drawing on personal experiences and observations from years of working with young people, they discuss how Christian families can create healthier, more grace-filled conversations about sexuality and discipleship. The key ideas they discuss are: Exploring the impact of purity culture on faith, sex, and relationships. Why shame-based messaging can distort our understanding of God's grace. How church culture has shaped conversations about sexuality for many Christians. The importance of redemption, restoration, and healthy discipleship. Reflection questions for parents unpacking their own stories and beliefs. Sticky Note Question: What is the right age to have sex for the first time? Resources Mentioned: What to Talk About When and Where Do I Even Start? Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 2 of this conversation, Lauren and Georgia move beyond the big cultural shifts discussed in the previous episode and take a deeper look at two powerful influences shaping today's young people: the growing pornification of culture and the belief that sex is a basic human need. Together, they unpack how pornography, sexualised media, AI-generated content, and cultural assumptions about intimacy are impacting children's understanding of relationships, consent, connection, and identity. Most importantly, they offer practical encouragement for Christian parents seeking to navigate these conversations with wisdom, confidence, and hope. In This Episode: Why this conversation is a continuation of our discussion on postmodernism and expressive individualism. How pornography has become one of the most influential sex educators in modern culture. The difference between exposure to pornography and regular consumption. Research on the age of first exposure to pornography among Australian young people. How sexualised media shapes expectations around sex, relationships, consent, and gender roles. The impact of AI, deepfakes, and emerging technology on young people. Why sex is not a basic human need, and what our culture gets wrong about intimacy. The Christian vision for intimacy, connection, relationships, and human flourishing. Practical ways parents can remain calm, approachable, and engaged in conversations about pornography and online safety. Reflection questions to help parents consider the messages their children are absorbing and the examples they're modelling at home. Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table
How do we help our kids navigate a culture that is constantly shaping their views on sex, relationships, identity and truth? In this episode, Lauren and Georgia explore two major cultural shifts influencing today's young people: the growing separation of sex from commitment and family, and the rise of postmodern ideas around identity, self-expression, and subjective truth. They discuss why understanding culture matters, how these messages affect our children, and how Christian parents can respond with wisdom, empathy, and confidence rather than fear. In this episode: Why culture is discipling our kids every day How views of sex and relationships have changed over generations The influence of subjective truth and expressive individualism Why empathy is essential when talking with young people Reflection questions for Christian parents navigating these conversations Connect with Big Kids' Table: Website: https://bkt.org.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @bigkidstable.au Facebook: Big Kids' Table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.