Things I Wish My Conservative Christian Parents had Taught Me

I grew up thinking that my ultra- Conservative Christian parents were superheroes. In my mind they knew absolutely everything about everything. In my mind my parents could do no wrong. While I still think that my parents are both amazing individuals, I have come to realize that perhaps they don’t know everything. College has shown me that I can still think my parents are amazing people and disagree with some of their Conservative Christian values. While I greatly respect my parents, here are some things I wish they would have taught me:  

1. People who experiment with drugs are not awful people. That being said; don’t experiment with drugs.

2. Being a Christian does not make someone a good person.

3. People who are not Christian are often times great people.

4. As much as we want you to, you probably won’t stay a virgin until marriage.

5. In case you don’t, here’s how birth control works.

6. You don’t have to agree with gay marriage, but you do have to love and support your LGBT friends.

7. Both sides of the media are biased. Do your own research.

8. Don’t live with your significant other, unless you are absolutely positive about them.

9. You will drink a lot in college, so learn your limits quickly.

10. Don’t do anything sexually that you won’t be proud of the next day.

11. We will still love you even if you tell us that you are liberal.

12. We will still love you even if you tell us that you are Atheist.

13. It is okay to question your religious beliefs.

14. Go to church because you want, not because we make you.

15. Save your money while you are young, but spend some of it on experiences.

16. You don’t have to get married.  

17. You don’t have to have kids.

18. As much as we wish we could, we can’t choose your significant other for you.

19. We will probably disagree on some political issues, but we will try to understand your opinion if you try to understand ours.