Tricky Topic #2: Birds + Bees (with Jon Gabriele)
Why do we say “the birds and the bees” when we really mean developing bodies, sex, and reproduction? Maybe our euphemisms are a pretty good clue about just how awkward these conversations can be! In this episode, we’re joined by parent and teacher Jon Gabriele to explore why talking with our kids about sex can feel so tricky, whether avoiding the conversation makes it harder, and whether it’s ever too early to start. Jon shares what he’s learned teaching 4th and 5th graders through the Created by God program and offers practical ways to talk about anatomy, puberty, and sexuality in ways that are honest, positive, and developmentally appropriate.
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Our special guest Jon Gabriele has been teaching professionally at the elementary level for 37 years in both public and private school settings. He has enjoyed teaching the boys’ class of Created by God at Glen Ellyn Bible Church for close to 20 years. He and his wife, Glenna, have been married for 33 years and have five adult children, three daughters-in-law, and one granddaughter. He and Glenna are thankful for the invaluable support of their church family through the years and continue to enjoy serving in children’s ministries in hopes of passing on the blessings their whole family has received.
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Created by God Program (per Glen Ellyn Bible Church website, gebible.org)
Every year we offer a 5-week biblically-based program designed to communicate to 4-5th graders that they were incredibly created by God for His purposes. Kids will understand what is happening to them physically, emotionally, and sexually as they begin maturing. The topics of human sexuality, values and relationships are approached in a frank, honest and Bible-based manner by qualified teachers.
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Extra Resources:
Learning About Sex Series (used in Created By God Class), published by Concordia Publishers
God’s Design For Sex Series (4 books) by Stan Jones & Brenna Jones
The Story of Me (age 3-5)
Before I Was Born (age 5-8)
What’s the Big Deal? (age 8-12)
Facing the Facts (age 12-16)
How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex: A Lifelong Approach to Shaping Your Child’s Sexual Character by Stan Jones & Brenna Jones
10 Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Knowing What to Say, Guiding Them to Wise Decision, Giving Age-Appropriate Answers by Bill and Pam Farrell
God Made All of Me by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb (ages 2-8)
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With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.com
If you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com
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Don’t miss next week’s podcast conversation with Dr. Mark Yarhouse on gender & sexual identity.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
