This is a call to action for parents to start actively working to guard your kid’s heart. As parents, our biggest priority is the health and well-being of our children. But have you ever thought about protecting your child’s heart? No, we’re not talking about the organ that pumps blood. We’re talking about their emotional well-being and their ability to navigate the challenges of life with resilience.
I have this dark feeling that recent world events and situations are playing a role in both slightly stealing my kids from me and largely stealing their childhood from them.
My young kids are being exposed to things I would have never consented to as a parent. Things that are too heavy for their developing hearts.
In one week, my 8 year asked me what abortion meant (he heard on a Youtube political ad) and then asked me what sexual abuse (used a harsher term) meant (also heard on a Youtube political ad). Both of these ads were right in the middle of a kid’s program he watches.
That broke my mom-heart in half. But even worse, only a week or so later he is desensitized to those terms because they pop-up every 5 minutes on Youtube and television.
You may say that I should delete all television, move out to the country and homeschool my three kids. My honest answer is: I wish I had.
But, now it’s time to shift to damage control and rely heavily on the family values that we worked so hard to build.
Let’s talk about the importance of guarding your kid’s heart and 5 heavy topics to focus on.
Call to Action for Parents to Guard Your Kid’s Hearts
The “heart” – feelings, sense of security, ability to navigate the ups and downs of life – is a precious and delicate thing that requires our utmost care and attention.
When the heart is healthy, it can be a solid foundation for a child. It guides them through obstacles with love and patience and sends positive vibes out into the world.
The truth is, a child’s heart is just as vulnerable as their physical body, and the wounds inflicted upon it can have lasting consequences.
Most of us can’t hide our family under a rock. While we can – and should- try our best to limit the exposure kid’s have to certain topics and situations, another approach is to get to our kids first.
To do this, parents must prepare them with family values, equip them with age-appropriate knowledge, and prevent the overexposure to the following 5 topics.
By prioritizing the protection of our children’s hearts, we can help them build the foundation they need to thrive, both now and in the future – because they are our future.
5 Topics to Guard Your Kid’s Heart From
These 5 topics are too heavy for the developing brain’s of children.
In an ideal world, I would advise you to avoid these topics with your children all together.
However, if you found that to be a challenge (with the state of the recent world I don’t blame you), then you must rely on family values and these age-appropriate discussions to guard your kid’s innocent heart.
(Note: most of our discussions start with “It’s not our job to judge people. We may feel this way, but others don’t feel that way. .”)
Sexuality Topics Too Advanced for Kids
While it’s important for children to develop a basic understanding of human reproduction and the changes that occur during puberty, the broader discussions around sexuality can be overwhelming and potentially traumatic for young minds.
The fact is, no matter what society is telling you: Kids don’t have to know who is sleeping with who.
Children may not have the cognitive or emotional maturity to fully comprehend the nuances of this issue. Exposing them to it prematurely can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even a distorted view of their own bodies and relationships.
We should aim to provide age-appropriate, factual information that aligns with our family’s values and beliefs, while avoiding graphic details or emotionally charged rhetoric that could overwhelm or distress our children.
Also read: 5 Other Safety Topics to Talk to Your Kids About
Abortion Discussions
In 2024, it is the topic of every single politically-charged discussion.
When my 13 year old son asked what it was, I approached it very gentle. Leaning on our faith and family values.
Even when I approached it in a textbook fashion, he teared up and gagged at the thought of it.
The topic of abortion can be painful, controversial, and potentially traumatic for young minds. To guard your child’s heart, it is important to saturate these conversations in your family values and provide gentle and age-appropriate details.
Complexities of War and Scary World Events
Fear and anger are emotions that can push your kid out of heart-based living and into a state of anxiety. War and unpredictable world events can spiral a confused child into emotional darkness.
The first step is to approach the conversation with sensitivity and age-appropriate language. It’s important to remember that children have a limited understanding of the world and may be easily overwhelmed or frightened by graphic details. Start by asking them what they already know and then gently fill in the gaps, focusing on the key facts without delving into the more disturbing aspects.
When discussing war, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of peace and the efforts being made to resolve conflicts.
Reassure your child that they are safe and that the conflict is happening in a distant place, not in their immediate surroundings. Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings, and be prepared to provide comfort and support if they become upset or anxious.
Related: On the other hand, parents often shelter their kids from these 5 healthy topics.
Adults with Terrible Motives
Kids are trained to listen to adults all of the time, but adults don’t always have the best interest of kids in mind (shocking!).
Some adults have poor – or even disgusting – motives. Parents who don’t teach children HOW to think critically may accidently send them down a dangerous path.
Socrates, a famous Greek Philosopher, established the idea of critical thinking. He explained that we can’t always depend upon authority figures to know all the answers. Therefore, it is important to probe and ask questions before we accept ideas as worthy of belief.
Guard your kid’s heart from predators and deceit with these tips on How to Raise Kids who are Critical Thinkers or Free Thinkers.
Looking for other tips on how to Live From the Heart? Start here!
Other People’s Unchecked Heart Issues
Anger, jealousy, and fear are nasty emotions that not only bring a person down, but spread rapidly to others.
When other people are living in a state of emotional darkness, it can greatly impact your kids.
Resentful people may also try to damage your child’s current values and belief systems, which may interfere with their foundation.
Kids see an extraordinary amount of bullying, conflicts, and negativity all around them.
As parents, you can use these external conflicts as examples of how to act and how not to act.
Parents need to take an active role in teaching children anger management and empathy. Do this before they start to believe that treating people disrespectfully is acceptable.
Final Thoughts on Heavy Topics to Guard Your Kid’s Heart From
One of my favorite bible verses as of recently has been:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23.
We must extend this protection beyond our own hearts focus our attention on our children.
While these tips are meant to guide parents, you hold the most powerful weapon – your own beautiful heart.
Lean ferociously on your strong family values, your internal discernment, and your heart for the answers you need.
Now- for tips on how to protect your kid’s heart read here!
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