OUR FOUNDER, MARILYN EVANS:
In 2016 I launched Parents Aware because…
“I figured if I was this anxious to change the conversation with my own children about pornography and healthy sexuality, other parents must feel the exact same way.”
Like most of my readers, I love my children more than anything else in the world. And isn’t it precisely that “world” that’s got us all nervous? From a parent’s perspective, the internet in particular, feels like a big, ugly monster lurking in the shadows, ready to devour our children at every turn. No subject and no activity is off-limits. No doubt, the responsibility of talking to our children with the aim to keep them safe online is overwhelming.
The hard truth is, it is not possible to create a protective bubble around our families in this digital age. Attempts at creating barriers through technology can be exhausting and all-consuming. And yet somehow the figurative monsters of digital interactions always get in despite our best efforts.
As parents, we are then left to pick up the pieces that result when our children’s sense of self is shattered and their hearts are broken.
Fortunately, there are practical, preventative, and fortifying measures to help parents prepare for the potential monsters they will inevitably encounter in their online lives. Knowledge, awareness and honest information is the key. Let me help you plan and prepare to take a direct, open, honest and compassionate approach in talking to your children.
This is where a change in the conversation starts.
I’ve been in your shoes
I am the mother of five amazing boys. Three have matured to adulthood, two are married and the third is pursuing his education. None of them escaped adolescence unscathed by the dangers that lurk online. There were tears, arguments and sleepless nights. I wish I knew then what I know now. I wish I had the knowledge and awareness to have better conversations with them.
The truth is after many years of reading, writing, and advocating, it wasn’t too late. The open, honest and compassionate conversations we now have with them would’ve been effective back then. The fact they are doing well now indicates we did alright, but the reality is the fight never ends. There is never a time when good communication between parents and children is not helpful.
Fast forward to today. My two youngest boys are currently in the thick of adolescence. There isn’t a day that goes by where my husband and I do not have direct, open and honest conversations with them.
There will be tears, arguments and sleepless nights. But we are now better prepared to deal with those circumstances. And I would like to share with you what we have learned and continue to learn through it all.
Things I’ve learned and want to share
We are a tech-savvy home. We’ve got devices and applications designed to block content that is harmful to children’s emotional and mental well-being. But those technologies are imperfect. They can help, but they are not the solution. Years of experience tell me the most important firewall parents can construct, is to arm their children with information.
No topic is too difficult to tackle
Talking confidently with kids about sex, relationships, pornography, and self-worth is so important in today’s media culture. Kids are actually relieved when we take the lead on these subjects.
All children are inherently good (yes, even teens)
At times your child will drive you crazy, make stupid decisions, and may even lie or do manipulative things to get their way. Regardless, see the good in them. It is there.
Love is always the answer
Deep down, everyone just wants to be understood. Playing the long game can seem unbearable. It is possible to remain firm in your convictions while continuing to demonstrate your unconditional love.
Learning is a layered process
A step-by-step, day-by-day approach is the answer. It can be hard to change our communication patterns. In times of crisis, it can also be easy to forget that changes in behavior often happen gradually over time.
Are you ready to change the conversation?
I am passionate about sharing everything I’ve learned striving to have open, honest and compassionate conversations with my children. I would love to help you and your friends do the same. There are several ways for you to connect with me:
- First, sign up for the Parents Aware Newsletter. It’s FREE. You’ll know exactly when a new blog post or podcast is published and when I am doing a live presentation in your area.
- Second, invite me to speak at your next business lunch, parent organization, youth group or school online safety night.
- Third, register for our Membership Program to receive individualized coaching and special bonuses to help you change the conversation with your kids.