Video n o i t u ol
Series
L A T N E R A P E D I U G T R O SUPP s The Re
t emen n M ov o ti lu o s tr y The Re ll Minis c D owe M h s & Jo
CONTENTS Your Role as a parent........................................................... 4 Session 1: Ben’s Story............................................................ 5 Session 2: Thriving................................................................ 7 Session 3: Longings............................................................... 9 Seven Longings..................................................................... 11 Session 4: Overcoming.......................................................... 12 Session 5: The Brain.............................................................. 13 Session 6: Live It!.................................................................. 14 Further Resources............................................................... 15
YOUR ROLE AS A PARENT This Parental Support Guide will give you a peek into what your son or daughter is learning and provide practical steps you can take to engage with them about it. If you are leading your son or daughter through the Video Series, you’ll want to use the Leader Guide as well. Building and maintaining trust, love and acceptance with your child is essential in order for them to feel safe enough to be open with you. This guide will help you to do that. Your commitment to your child’s well being by supporting them through this journey will pay dividends in their lives. The days ahead may reveal some very difficult struggles they’re dealing with; just remember the depth of God’s love and seek Him always through this process.
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BEN’S STORY Intro This week, your child is being introduced to Ben’s story of rejection which resulted in mental health issues and addiction to pornography. His openness about his struggles will lay the groundwork for others to share their personal experiences. It will be exceedingly healthy for them to talk about things which, in some cases, they’ve not yet told anyone. Identifying and talking about their struggles is a critical step toward healing. No matter what they’re going through or how they’re coping with their pain, God is a redemptive God who loves them deeply. What your child needs from you is that same love as well as your commitment to listen, affirm their worth and walk with them through their journey to healing. Strong, healthy relationships are critical in order for your child to feel secure enough to open up about what they’re dealing with. Be prepared to hear some difficult things and respond with an abundance of compassion and without negativity.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV
C U L T I VA T E A N E N V I R O N M E N T T H A T ENCOURAGES QUESTIONS: • Intentionally respond to any questions from your child calmly and with affirmation. When they feel safe asking simple questions, they’ll begin to trust you with more difficult ones. • Engage with your child openly about difficult topics such as sex and pornography. If you cultivate an environment of openness, they’ll feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences with these things than they would if the topic is considered taboo in your household.
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• Have prepared responses and action plans ready for your child in the event they come to you with a confession of unhealthy thoughts or behaviors they’re struggling with. Your preparation will position you to respond calmly and intentionally which will help them to feel safe and loved, no matter how undesirable their struggles are. • Pray for your child, that they will feel safe enough to share their struggles and be open to taking necessary steps toward healing.
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