Written in conjunction with a Maternal Child Health Nurse and Midwife, this resource helps you guide your child through crucial conversations about God, bodies, sex, and relationships with confidence and care. Research shows that children and teenagers want to talk with their parents about these topics, and as their primary influence, your conversations can shape their understanding of safety, respect, and God’s design.

These discussions should be ongoing, not a one-time talk, allowing your child to ask questions and receive accurate information that empowers them to make safer, healthier choices.

Inside this guide, you’ll find age-appropriate guidance for each developmental stage, helping you navigate these conversations with faith-based support and practical tips.

Key Features:

✅ Age-Appropriate Guidance: From birth through to adulthood, we provide helpful insights on what to discuss and when, starting with basic anatomy and consent at the earliest stages.

✅ Biblical Wisdom: Each stage is paired with scriptures that help point to God’s good design and love for your child.

✅ Practical Tips: Real-life examples on how to engage with your child about their body, boundaries, and identity in a non-shaming, empowering way.

✅ Resource Recommendations: Books, websites, and other resources that align with your values and support your child’s development.

👀 A Sneak Peek: Birth-2 Years 👀

Healthy sexual development starts from infancy and can be a really important time to support your child in understanding their own body.

Anatomy

God created all parts of the body and all of them are useful and good. Talking about how God loves to create and that He created your little one with intention and purpose helps them understand the goodness of their created being that is already loved by God.

Correct terminology for genitals is important for children to learn at a very young age as this helps prevent sexual abuse – if a child can accurately state what part of the body has been touched, they are more likely to be believed and actions taken – even with limited vocabulary skills. Additionally, it acts to remove shame from their body parts as nicknames can enforce the belief that your genitals and embarrassing and need a nickname to be hidden.

For example, when bathing they might notice their genitals. You can say, “yes, that’s your penis, it’s where the wee comes out, let’s make sure we clean it in the bath”, or while changing a nappy, “let’s wipe your stinky bottom and vulva.”

Basic consent

“Ready for a nappy change? I’ve got everything ready, let’s go.”

This promotes body autonomy and creates a sense of control over their body and what happens to it.

Even in the earliest years, healthy sexual development starts with understanding anatomy and body autonomy. Teaching your child the correct terminology for their body parts helps prevent abuse, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of body safety. This stage also introduces basic consent, showing your child that their body belongs to them and they can give or refuse permission.

Biblical Verse for this Stage:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13

Resources for Parents:

• Books: God Made Me by Stephanie Carmichael, God Knows All About Me by Claire Page.
• Websites: Body Safety Australia, Educate 2 Empower, True: Relationships & Reproductive Health, Raising Children’s Network.

This resource isn’t a rulebook but a guide to help you navigate these vital conversations with grace, confidence, and God’s love at the center. We pray your conversations will be fruitful and lead your child to a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ.

Please note: This resource is a digital download.