Building Commitment in Kids

A study by Kaiser Family Foundation and Children Now reports that half of 10- to 12-year-olds want more information about AIDS and STDs; 38 percent want facts on preventing pregnancy; and nearly one-third want to know where to get birth control reports USA Today.

Another national survey of parents and kids ages 10 to 15 shows that the window of opportunity for parents to bring up these topics is small. The USA Today article says, "“By age 13 kids rely on outside sources for their information." However the article says that preteens crave more information from their parents on topics such as AIDS guns in schools the pressure to have sex and the effects of drugs and alcohol on that decision.

The survey also found that kids whose parents had talked with them about difficult topics were more likely to turn to their parents first in difficult situations. What does this mean for your church? Parents of preteens need to be informed about the importance of talking with their children during this crucial stage of life. They also need encouragement to talk with their children about these types of difficult issues and making a commitment to a morally pure life.

• Encourage parents to take their preteen children out for a special dinner. During dinner parents can discuss the importance of sexual purity and present their children with a commitment ring. The ring symbolizes the child'’s desire to remain sexually pure until marriage.


• Provide information for parents on topics such as AIDS drug and alcohol abuse and violence. Parents need accurate information to discuss these topics with their children.


• Hold classes for parents and preteen or teenage children where community experts come to talk about these issues. Make sure the experts provide advice for parents on how to talk with their children about uncomfortable topics and strongly encourage parents to make dates with their kids to talk about lifestyle commitments.