Marital Sexuality
Objective: To help children understand and be comfortable discussing sex. Help them understand the purposes of sex and create an environment of open dialog with children.
Note: When discussing topics that might be uncomfortable, it is important to understand your children will follow your lead. (For example, if you have a hard time using correct terminology then your children will assume that those words are "bad.") If difficult topics are approached directly, children will be more willing to have open communication with parents.
Opening Song: Hymn #239, "Choose the Right"
Closing Song: Children's Songbook, "A Happy Family"
Younger Children:
- Explain that one part of Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness is for us to come to Earth, gain a body and have FAMILIES.
- In order to have a baby it takes a man and a woman. Before having a baby a Mom and a Dad should get married. The Mom and Dad pray and ponder together and decide on the size of family by following inspiration from Heavenly Father and personal circumstances. (See General Handbook 38.6.4)
- End with closing song and adding your family's names into the song.
Older Children:
- Explain that sex is wonderful when following the guidelines set by the Lord. (After marriage with your spouse of the opposite sex.)
- Purposes of Marital Sexuality:
- Becoming One
- Connection with God
- Strengthening Bonds
- Procreation
- (The above list comes from Chapter 5, Successful Marriage and Families)
- Discuss with your children each of the steps and the blessings of following the standards the Lord gives. (i.e. No risks of STD's, unplanned pregnancy and consequent financial and emotional burdens, along with having the liberty of choosing whom to marry rather than perhaps being "forced" into a marriage because of an unplanned pregnancy, etc.)
- Ask your children if they have any questions on the Lord's standards for sexual purity. If mistakes are made, there is a way to repent and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your life.
Additional Resources:
- "Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments" by Jeffery R. Holland
- Fulfilling the Sexual Stewardship in Marriage By Sean E. Brotherson
- For the Strength of Youth: Sexual Purity
- A Parent's Guide
- The Act of Marriage by Tim & Beverly LaHaye
- Scriptures
- Moroni 7:16-17
- 2 Nephi 2:27-28
- Genesis 39:1-12
- Doctrine & Covenants 38:42
Useful Tips for All Lessons:
- I love to use the Sing-Along app on my ipad/phone. It contains all the church Hymns and Children's songs in sing-along format with words and a moving ball for the timing. There are pictures that go along with each song, or you can customize the songs with your own pictures. It's a wonderful, easy app that I LOVE! Another benefit is the ability to make a Playlist in the app. I will quickly make a Playlist of particular songs I am using for a lesson so I don’t have to waste time searching for them during the lesson. It’s great!
- I also frequently use the Sacred Music App on my devices. It’s nice to have the choice of sheet music, words, or both for each song. I also use the Playlist feature to make songs easily accessible during lessons, as mentioned for the app above.
- Last, but definitely not least, is the Media App. I use this when I am searching for a particular picture or video to help emphasize my lesson topic. Probably my favorite feature of this app is the ability to edit videos. So if I just want to use part of a talk given by a General Authority, then I can cut out the rest and have the succinct clip I need for my lesson. It really is the best! I also like the ability to put together “Presentations” in the “My Media” section of the app. I can save any media I want to use for a particular lesson and it’s all right there ready for me during the lesson.
