With so much to balance and prepare for, I think the biggest question is this: How do we best partner with parents when it comes to such a sensitive, yet significant series for their middle schooler?

The truth is, parents of middle schoolers are usually looking for help when it comes to this topic. They want to know . . .

Can I trust you to talk about sex and dating with my kid?

What exactly are you going to teach?

How are you going to answer a question about (fill in the blank with the most awkward thing you can think of here)?

Is my kid even ready for this?

The best thing you can do as the youth pastor is to beat them to the punch. Do your best to try to answer their questions before they even have the chance to ask them.

One of the best ways I’ve found to proactively partner with parents on a topic like this is by hosting what I call a Parent Preview Night.