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We often wait for the perfect moment or the right age to talk to our kids about pornography and other tricky topics. Then, in a blink, our kids have grown up. The perfect moment never arrived. What do we do then? Are we too late? Is it worth starting the conversation with an older teen?
This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us.
Dear Savvy: My son is 16 years old and I really haven’t started talking to him about pornography. What do I do? Do I just let it go? Or do I start the conversation?
Dear Listener,
It is never too late to start. Older teens and even adult children still need us (whether they like to admit that or not!). As their parents, it’s our privilege and obligation to offer them guidance and counsel. Understand that their opinions and ideas that may not align with yours entirely. To keep the door to communication open, keep personal feelings out of the equation. Simply, state what’s on your mind in a calm and respectful manner. Even if your teen doesn’t respond immediately (or in the way you hoped) rest assured they are listening.
In this episode:
- Exercise patience. It can take time for teens to open up or come around.
- Learn from your teen. Ask them what they already know.
- Hot topics. Challenge teens to express opinions and values about current events.
- Bridge the gap. Acknowledge when you see your teen doing incredible things.
In order to open up a dialogue with your kid, you will need to start the ball rolling. That means talking. Out loud. To him [or her]. Even if you are dying inside. —Dr. Cara Natterson
Compass challenge:
To get you started in this conversation with an older teen, read through these Communication Tips at hopefulmom.net. Here Barb offers advice about what to say, where to sit, and how to create the kind of atmosphere that opens doors and gets you talking!
Do you have a question? Click here to Contact Us, email us at admin@parentsaware.info, or submit your question through any of our social media platforms. We’d love to hear from you!
Links/Resources
NEW COURSE – Get Off the Fence: Confidently Talk to Your Child or Teen About Pornography
FORTIFY – Is your teen struggling with pornography? Click here to check out Fortify – FREE for youth!
BARK – Want help monitoring your kids’ apps and social media? Click here for a FREE 30-day trial of the Bark App or download it at the app store and use our promo code: MEDIASAVVY
COVENANT EYES – Need great filtering software for your internet and devices? Click here to check out Covenant Eyes.
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.
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