Episode Summary

In Part 2, Pastor Addison continues the conversation with Brad and Kate Aldridge—marriage and family therapists and hosts of Still Becoming One—moving from purity-culture impacts to practical parenting. How do we start age-appropriate conversations about bodies, desire, and boundaries? What do we do when kids bring tough news home? The Aldridges offer warm, gospel-centered guidance for building an ongoing dialogue that forms character, protects kids, and keeps your relationship strong.

Content note: This episode discusses sexuality, identity, social media, and online safety. Parents may want to preview for younger listeners.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Start sooner than you think: Begin body and safety conversations in early childhood (ages 4–5) and introduce basic sex education by ~age 8, in age-appropriate ways.
• Use better language: Replace “good touch/bad touch” with clear contextual rules about “areas that are just for you,” and who may help (parents/doctors with a parent present).
• Secrets vs. surprises: Teach kids that the family doesn’t keep secrets; surprises are time-limited and celebratory—this helps prevent grooming.
• Normalize questions: Create an open-door policy—kids can ask about any term they hear and get a calm, truthful answer from you (not the internet).
• Body changes & identity: Expect discomfort during puberty; talk about identity without fear, affirming personality and interests without redefining gender biblically.
• Attraction vs. lust: Help teens understand the difference; attraction is normal, while lust “consumes” and dehumanizes.
• When hard news lands: Lead with love and calm. If a teen is sexually active (or there’s a pregnancy scare), communicate values, discuss consequences, and keep connection.
• Online safety & sextortion: Tell kids you’re a safe first call—no mistake will cost them your love. Discuss posting, DMs, and what to do if pressured for images.
• Model marriage health: Your capacity to talk about desire, limits, and intimacy shapes your kids’ expectations more than any single “talk.”

Key Quotes

• “There isn’t one talk—there are a hundred little talks.” — Brad & Kate Aldridge
• “Attraction is normal; lust wants to consume a person.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Lead with kindness and gentleness—your emotions are yours to manage, not your teen’s.” — Kate Aldridge
• “You get one chance to model a healthy marriage for your kids. That modeling matters.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Parent Playbook: Practical Steps

• Make it safe to ask anything: Promise honest answers and no shame.
• Teach “secrets vs. surprises” early: Report any “secret” an adult requests.
• Clarify body boundaries: Who can help with private areas, and when.
• Discuss attraction/desire: Desire is God-given; talk about self-control and respect.
• Have dating guidelines: Consider allowing dating while kids are still at home so you can coach and debrief.
• Address social media: Ask curious questions about posts (“What was your goal with this photo?”) and talk through risks.
• Prepare for crises: If sextortion or a pregnancy scare happens, respond first with love, then problem-solve together.
• Do your own work: If sexuality conversations feel uncomfortable, seek growth so you can lead with clarity and grace.

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Brad & Kate Aldridge — Marriage & family therapists; hosts of Still Becoming One.
• Marriage Conference at Grace Community Church — Join Brad & Kate for a focused evening on emotional, spiritual, sexual, and story intimacy.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or learn more: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.