It seems earlier than ever before we must have “the talk” with our children. If we don’t the world will. In our house conversations about all these things had to begin early because of some of the environments our girls were in. Now, think about that for a moment. We home school. We are members of the local church. The only other interaction our girls had with the “world” was at my dance studio or their gym.
I was pretty sure I had sufficiently bubble wrapped them so I could put off those conversations for as long as possible. And then one day, the questions started. I really didn’t want to stumble along and make everything really awkward and weird! We wanted a way to provide Biblical, loving, honest answers that would set a solid foundation for their lives.
So… um…. now what?
I was talking to a friend who I deeply respect about what they did with their daughter.- (Because that is how I parent… I steal ideas from other great parents) Passport to Purity was their recommendation, so I ordered the kit and dove in to check it out.
Passport2Purity® Getaway Kit by FamilyLife – Version 3
It’s set up so that moms take daughters (or dads take sons) on a short retreat to work through the materials. You listen to sessions, discuss, do some guided activities to bring life to concepts and then take fun breaks! We went to a fancy hotel with a water park and fancy restaurants.
As I worked through the material I discovered there were so many HUGE concepts it tackled!!! There was so much more content there than just “the talk”.
Friendships
The dynamics and drama of middle school girls is enough to make you want to pull your hair out. With Passport to Purity, there are several sessions on navigating these relationships with grace and maturity.
Boyfriends/Girlfriends
We believe dating is for the specific purpose of having a lasting relationship with someone that will partner with you in life. While the culture embraces dating as early as elementary school… we do not and I really needed some tools to help explain to the girls why we have a different “normal”.
We found that Passport to Purity helped us define what dating is and what boundaries they want to make as a young men or women. What I really loved about this section was that it began the conversations and let us come up with our own strategy for our home. It asks tough questions and helps you to be intentional about what the expectations are. We found that having a plan before they got to this issue was so important!
All the Tough Topics
We really wanted to express the truth of the Word AND the love of God for all people, to our girls. There are a lot of really tough topics regarding growing up and sexuality. What we loved about Passport to Purity is that it speaks truth AND it speaks love- giving you great tools and information for the things that we MUST talk about with our kids. It starts the conversations that will continue as they mature.
Set the Standard High
One of my favorite things about Passport to Purity is that it sets the standard very high regarding purity. In seeking God’s plan for dating relationships you can remain sexually pure until you are married. Some might say it’s impossible in this culture, but we say nothing is impossible with Christ. At the end of the sessions, your teen will have the opportunity to make a pledge of purity. What is beautiful about this is -they think through trusting God, their parents and their future spouse with their heart. This team will partner with them to guard their heart until the time comes to say, “I do”.
The curriculum helps them understand that this commitment to remain pure may make you feel weird or different from those around them. You are not weird! You simply have made a personal choice about your body, faith, mental and physical health that some people choose not to make.
This post comes from a Christian perspective. If that is not your faith, there are things you can still enjoy from it. I never mean to exclude, only speak from my perspective. thanks for reading!
Passport2Purity® Getaway Kit by FamilyLife – Version 3
Ask Me!
I’m so passionate about what this program has done for my girls that I’d love to walk you through any concerns. I’d even be happy to help facilitate your group or help you organize your special weekend. Just ask!
