Ever wonder how much you should tell your kids about your life as a teenager?

Are there some questions you’ve avoided or are hoping they won’t ask? Maybe they’ve already asked “Hey Dad… Hey Mom, did you ever _________?” (fill in the blank with anything you’ve done wrong). Awkward, isn’t it?

Answering with age-appropriate honesty is probably the best policy when teenagers are considering their own actions and wondering about what you did when you were their age. There are times when you should delay a conversation about certain topics – when you know you’re kids are ready to handle the conversation. But if they’re asking about it, they are ready for some kind of answer. Being honest and talking openly about your past sins and the resulting consequences will give you opportunities to show how God’s ways are best. Hopefully, you will also be able to speak about the times when you chose to act wisely and experienced the benefits.
 
Admitting our mistakes and letting our children see our past weaknesses (even present ones) will make us real and credible in their eyes. They will be more willing to come to us with their problems when they believe us and have owned up to problems of our own.When we show our need for God’s forgiveness and redemption, we model and communicate the truths of the Gospel on a regular basis. Trying to project a perfect image that has no current or past faults is not only dishonest but it gives our children unrealistic standards to follow.

 Keep the conversations going. When we are willing to open up and be honest, our kids will be more likely to share honestly as well. Remember, our final goals are to share the relevance of the Gospel and to teach our children how to make godly decisions for themselves.