It's back-to-school time and California parents are extra-nervous this year.
Will there be boys in the girls' restroom? Will girl athletes shower with the boys?
Blame it on AB1266, which Governor Brown just signed into law. The stated purpose is to lessen sexual harassment and bullying. Under this new law a boy who'"identifies" with being a girl can use the girls' restroom, locker room and showers. And vice versa.
It's a matter of a student's perception.
A friend asked, "But what can I do about it?"I wish I had a remedy, but it's the law and students in public schools are subject to it. How it's implemented from school to school probably will differ, but this law will be talked about.
I think it could be helpful to remind your kids who they are and who God created them to be. (Genesis 1:26-27) That hasn't changed.
Start by talking through what you believe as a family and your sexual values. Christian moms will want to discuss how faith influences one's view of all of life.
Your kids may want to talk about what they're going to hear more about, the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Clear up any confusion of the specifics of each of these lifestyles.
Keep it light, with give-and-take. Be sure your children get all their questions answered and have a clear understanding. Otherwise they'll be prey to everyone else's ideas.
You may think you're giving way too much information, but remember, anyone can recite biological facts. This is your opening to talk about attitudes and behavior and help your kids set strong values for life.
Start much earlier than you might think you need to
Pay attention to what's being taught in the schools your kids attend. Be alert to information coming from organizations like Gender Spectrum. This agency educates teahcers and administrators in how they should think and how to teach their students the "right" attitudes about sexual identity.
Gender Spectrum also produces books and programs to be used beginning in kindergarten. Their stated goal is to ensure that children grow up free of any sort of gender prejudice.
Sounds all modern and enlightened, doesn't it? They maintain that children need not consider themselves a "boy" or "a girl" just because of their body parts. What matters is, do they feel more like a boy or more like a girl.
Make your home a solid foundation
- Let your family be one where anybody can ask any question or bring up any topic without getting put down. Then you'll know what your kids are thinking.
- Talk often about why the Bible teaches a different way of living. Talk about how God loves us and wants the best for his people.
- Model the kind of talking and actions you want to see in your children and teens.
- Get involved in your church as a family. The more time your kids spend on "church stuff," the more likely they'll make Christian friends.
- Be a parent who volunteers at school so you know what goes on.
- Speak up and write letters when you spot disturbing trends.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Here's the prescription. You and I need to fill our minds with the hugeness of God instead of our own inadequacies by reading Bible verses like this:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10
One thing you can know for sure. God watches over your children, always.
Trusting, too,
Lenore
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