Gross out Your Kids!!

~Erin Blair

For those of you who do not know, I am pregnant with our first child who is due in August. This was unplanned for as many of you know, we are planning to adopt. But nevertheless, we are excited to welcome this new blessing into our lives and couldn’t be happier. But, as we plan and prepare and discuss how to raise this child, there is something we keep coming back to: we plan to “gross out” our children.

It’s a cute, funny scene whenever mommy and daddy hug or give a quick peck on the lips, the kids immediately exclaim: “Ewwwww! That’s gross!” And oftentimes, it seems to me at least, parents shy away from PDA in front of the kids because they don’t want to gross them out, make them uncomfortable, or “scar” them. This lack of PDA then can lead to a lack of affection even in private.

When we show affection towards our husbands in front of the kids (and of course I’m talking PG rated affection), we illustrate Song of Solomon 1:2, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine.” We show our kids how important their father is to us and how much we love him. There is deep security in children knowing their mommy and daddy love each other deeply, especially in an age where divorce is commonplace. I remember when I was a child and all my friend’s parents were divorced; I was scared mine would. But, when I saw my parents hug or kiss, or my dad take care to pull a splinter of glass out of my mom’s foot, it assured me that they would not because they loved each other. 

We also need to remember 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” Do not deprive yourselves in front of your kids! Show them that mommy and daddy delight in one another (Song of Solomon 4) and still show their love physically. It will also show your children how a marriage should be – loving, caring and fun! They will remember how their mom and dad kissed, hugged and held one another when it is time for them to find a spouse. If it grosses them out when they are three, they’ll get over it by the time they are six because that is the norm! That’s what mommy and daddy’s do! 

So, be great parents, gross out your kids! Show them what a good, healthy, rock-solid, fun Christian marriage is! They will have precious memories of their parents love when they are older and realize it wasn’t really so gross.

Erin resides in Ben Wheeler TX with her husband, Jordan. Erin has been involved with preparing and organizing the work of the church since she was a teenager by teaching all ages of Bibles classes, helping prepare and organize Ladies Days, Prom Alternatives, Youth Rallies and VBS.  She is currently works as a paralegal for a law firm. She and her husband also spend their time enjoying their garden, dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, quail…etc.  Life is never dull at her house.