Parent Guide: Conversations With Your Teen
This guide is designed to help you continue the conversation at home after Sunday’s message. The goal isn’t to lecture—it’s to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for your teen to process relationships through a biblical lens.
You don’t have to cover every question. Choose one or two and let the conversation unfold naturally.
How to Use This Guide
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Pick one or two questions, not all of them.
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Share your own thoughts first—teens open up when they don’t feel interrogated.
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Let silence do some work. You don’t have to fill every gap.
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Listen more than you correct.
Sermon Snapshot (For Parents)
In Pastor Erick’s message, he reminded us that neither singleness nor marriage can make us whole—only Jesus can. He challenged us to pursue dating and marriage with purity and intentionality, and to remember that healthy relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built on strong foundations, wise boundaries, and ongoing pursuit—especially in marriage.
Conversation Starters
These are things you can talk about with your kids to help further the conversation about what they may have learned on Sunday.
Final Encouragement for Parents
If your teen admits struggle, respond first with:
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Thank you for telling me.
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I’m proud of you for being honest.
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Let’s walk through this together.
Jesus isn’t waiting to shame them—He’s inviting them into wholeness. And your steady presence models that grace.
Feelings vs. Wisdom
Ask:
Why do you think strong feelings can make it hard to see red flags in relationships?
Follow-up:
What are some guardrails that could help someone slow down instead of rushing into something just because it feels exciting?
Parent Tip:
Help your teen see that attraction isn’t bad—but it’s not a compass. Wisdom, community input, and clear boundaries help protect their heart.
“Marriage Won’t Cure That”
Ask:
Why do you think people sometimes believe a relationship will fix their loneliness or insecurity?
Follow-up:
What are healthy ways to deal with those feelings instead of expecting another person to solve them?
Parent Tip:
Affirm that wanting love is normal. Then gently point them toward building identity and confidence in Christ first. A relationship should complement wholeness—not create it.
Is Singleness a Problem?
Ask:
Do you think our culture makes singleness seem like something’s wrong? Why?
Follow-up:
What could be good about this season of life if you saw it as preparation instead of waiting?
Parent Tip:
Teens feel subtle pressure to “have someone.” Remind them that growing spiritually, emotionally, and socially right now builds strength for the future.
Defining Purity
Ask:
When you hear the word “purity,” what do you think it means?
Follow-up:
Is purity only about physical behavior—or does it include what we watch, fantasize about, or dwell on mentally?
Parent Tip:
Avoid shame-based language. Focus on purity as protecting your future joy, protecting your mind, and honoring God with your whole self.
What Does Healthy Dating Look Like?
Ask:
If you were describing a healthy dating relationship, what would it include?
Follow-up:
What would be signs it’s becoming unhealthy?
Help them think about:
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Respect
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Shared values
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Emotional safety
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Spiritual growth
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Clear boundaries
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No secret