As parents, we often feel overwhelmed or unprepared to talk about sex with our kids—but what if the real work starts by creating a safe, emotionally connected home? In this powerful conversation with Jay Stringer, we explore how our own stories shape the way we parent and how emotional attunement and grace-based guidance help our kids grow into a healthy, biblical understanding of their sexuality. Together, we unpack the practical, awkward, and beautiful moments that form the soil for a child’s sexual and emotional maturity.

Key Takeaways

1. Healthy sexuality begins with emotional attunement, not just biological education.
2. Your family story matters—your past impacts how you talk about sex and form values with your kids.
3. Discipline means teaching, not controlling—especially when it comes to emotional life and sexuality.
4. Start the conversation early and often: aim for “61 one-minute chats,” not one big, scary “talk.”
5. Use age-appropriate, body-positive language to remove shame and affirm God's good design.
6. Proactive and responsive parenting helps kids form a thoughtful, Christ-centered sexual ethic.
7. You don’t have to have all the answers—just be willing to be your child’s trusted guide.

Website: jay-stringer.com

Instagram: @jay_stringer_

Facebook: @JayStringerUnwanted

Twitter/X: @_jaystringer

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We LOVE that you’ve decided to join us this week for the Living Wholehearted Podcast. We hope you enjoyed the conversation, tips, and resources to help you transform every relationship that matters most to you. If you think this will help someone you know, make sure you send it their way or share on socials. Tag us @living_wholehearted and @terramattson! Don't forget to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode and help spread the word by leaving us some stars on a review. Thanks for partnering with us to help more leaders, just like you, who want to live and lead with integrity at home, work and in the community. Go to livingwholehearted.com and sign up to receive our free leadership tips and updates delivered to you in our monthly newsletter. And, if you’re a girl mom, check out mycourageousgirls.com.  

Until next time, be the leader you would follow!

 

Grateful for you,

Jeff & Terra

 

To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to:

 

INSTAGRAM

@TerraMattson

@Living_Wholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

 

FACEBOOK

@WeAreLivingWholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

 

WEBSITES

LivingWholehearted.com

TerraMattson.com 

MyCourageousGirls.com

 

RESOURCES

Shrinking the Integrity Gap 

Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course 

Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace

Dear Mattsons 

Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters

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