Blog - Page 13 of 13 - HOPEFUL MOM

September 29, 2018March 13, 2024

Are Our Children Victims?

Our home is a Christian home. We try to adhere to Christian principles. We teach our children right and wrong behavior. We openly tell them not to look at inappropriate photos or videos online.

For example, when I found out one of our older son’s peers had been caught sexting, I flipped out. I sat my older children down and made sure they understood that type of behavior would not be tolerated. They assured me they wouldn’t be involved in anything of the kind. And I believed them. I trusted them. (Although, I’m sure the fact that I was alarmed did not help them see me as someone they could trust.)

September 19, 2018March 13, 2024

Live in the Light of Truth

Seventeen months after my son’s first confession, he approached us. “Mom, Dad, can I talk to you a minute privately?” Words no parent wants to hear. But they began our journey to live in the light.

He said, “Remember that thing we talked about before? Well, I never really stopped.” What!? Continue reading “Live in the Light of Truth”

September 10, 2018September 19, 2020

11 Things To Do When You Discover Your Child is Watching Pornography

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

The purpose of this site is to encourage parents of teenagers/children who watch or have watched pornography. It’s meant to be a safe place to share our emotions and concerns, not necessarily a place to give specific instruction on what to do. I am not an expert on the ins and outs of the pornography industry and how people become addicted to it. However, after walking through it with my son I would like to offer a list of 11 action steps in the hopes I can calm some fears. Sometimes, in the midst of a traumatic experience, it’s helpful to do something. Continue reading “11 Things To Do When You Discover Your Child is Watching Pornography”

August 27, 2018August 25, 2018

Parenting: Umbilical Cord to Invisible Rope to Freedom, It’s Hard Work

When a baby is born, the doctor cuts the umbilical cord. From that moment on the child is unattached to his parent. He/she is free, so to speak. Most parents immediately attach an imaginary rope from themselves to the child. Continue reading “Parenting: Umbilical Cord to Invisible Rope to Freedom, It’s Hard Work”

August 20, 2018May 25, 2020

Betrayal and Lying: As Hurtful As Watching Porn

photo of woman feeling effects of betrayal and lying — Photo Credit: Pixabay

When my teenage son first disclosed he was watching pornography, I was shocked–partly because he was my “good” child. Of my four children, he was the only one who had not lied to me or deceived me (so I thought). Continue reading “Betrayal and Lying: As Hurtful As Watching Porn”

August 13, 2018May 24, 2020

Who Can I Tell?

My son is addicted to porn.

My son told me he watches pornography.

My son, your son’s friend, has a problem with porn.

None of these statements roll off the tongue. They are not proclamations I want to say out loud . . . ever . . . to anybody. Continue reading “Who Can I Tell?”

August 6, 2018May 24, 2020

Parenting Is A Big Deal

Parenting is a big deal. I mean a BIG DEAL! I cannot boast about always handling this role well. I didn’t want to be a parent to begin with. But I am so grateful to be a mom, and I take it seriously. I try to learn from my mistakes, and I think I have grown (dare I say matured) into the position.

My son that deals with porn addiction is not my oldest child; so, while I would say the day he confessed to watching porn is the worst parent-day of my life, I am grateful that before that day I had a few not-so-pleasant mom-moments under my belt. Otherwise I may not have handled the situation as gracefully as I did. Continue reading “Parenting Is A Big Deal”

July 30, 2018May 24, 2020

Good Grief

photo credit: pixabay.com/en/monster-cartoon-halloween-alien-1741535/

When I first found out my son was using porn (I am calling it that because it’s an addiction and I think it fits the situation), I would have placed money on the fact that an alien had just abducted me and beamed me from my real life into another dimension. I mean I could not have been more shocked. Continue reading “Good Grief”

July 24, 2018December 29, 2023

Gag Me: My Son’s Watching Porn

The day I learned my son was watching porn, my husband and I were finishing a walk. We had recently moved to a new home and were enjoying the pleasant weather. As we rounded the corner and prepared to cross the busy street to return home, we saw our 14-year-old son standing in our front yard, crying hysterically, jumping up and down, and motioning to us. That moment is etched in my mind, a pivotal moment–the moment my mom-life changed. As my husband and I waited for the traffic to let up so we could cross the street, many thoughts swarmed through our minds. What happened? Was his 12-year old-sister lying in a pool of blood? Had someone broken into our house? Why was he standing there screaming uncontrollably? Continue reading “Gag Me: My Son’s Watching Porn”