I’d like to share a link to an article I read, entitled True Story: My Struggle With Shame Fueled My Struggle With Porn. The organization that published the article, Fight the New Drug, is committed to informing the public about the effects of pornography. This article is written by an 18 year old who struggled with pornography for 6 years. I like the article because his story is relatable and real. As a parent, it is helpful to hear another teenager’s perspective–his struggles and feelings.
Continue reading “Porn Users Feel Shame”Get Involved with the Fight Against Pornography?
Since discovering my son’s addiction I have wrestled with the question of whether to get involved with the fight against pornography. Or rather, what my response should be to this growing epidemic. There is an X-rated store (Is that what you call it?) three miles from our home. (How these places stay in business with all the online stuff is beyond me.) Every time I pass it, my blood pressure rises, and I pray it will go out of business. Well, on good days, I pray it will go out of business. On bad days, my prayer isn’t that pretty.
Continue reading “Get Involved with the Fight Against Pornography?”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”
11 Things To Do When You Discover Your Child is Watching Pornography
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”
Betrayal and Lying: As Hurtful As Watching Porn
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”
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?”
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”
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”