I’ve asked Hilary McCullough, our Junior High Ministry Director, to share some thoughts on what our community has been experiencing through our parenting series with Dr. Jim Burns.
– Jeff Maguire
We have GREAT parents in our community! This parenting series, The Field Guide to Modern Parenting has shown it. You’ve been there to learn about the tough stuff. You’re trudging through figuring out how to continually have “the talk” at different ages in your kids’ lives. (Did your thought bubble just say, “Continually?” Yep. Continually.) You’re learning how to safeguard them against a world that is bombarding them with messages about what they should be, act and look like. All while simultaneously doing the same thing for yourselves. You’re asking the questions during Q&A that all the other parents wanted to ask. It’s easy to see from the emphatic head nods. “When is a good time to give my son a phone? He says he’s the only 4th grader who doesn’t have one.” “How do I see what they’ve been viewing on their phones?” “What if my child likes looking at anatomy books? A lot.” “How do I talk to my child about pornography?” You are great parents, and I LOVE being able to walk this with you as you ask the tough questions. Our conversations following the sessions are so encouraging.
I didn’t start my career in ministry. I’ve had the privilege of working in prevention education for years, arming young kids, parents, adolescents, and college students with information about sexual assault and abuse. I’ve educated and counseled hundreds of college students to reveal what alcohol abuse really looks like and how to avoid high-risk behavior with high-risk consequences. I’ve seen what it looks like when parents take the bold steps you’re taking, and when they don’t. You’re figuring out how to have the tough conversations about that stuff and actually hear back from your kids (and sometimes hold back the laughter – or the shock). Be encouraged!
It’s not over. We have one more session this Tuesday, 6:30–8p. Hear from Jim about healthy parenting strategies. Ask your questions. You ARE your child’s greatest influence. It’s not scary – it’s an opportunity. We’re with you.
Hilary McCullough
JHM Director