So, you suspect that your teen is viewing pornography. You feel like maybe you should have a conversation about that. Here we discuss the third of 3 common barriers parents face when wanting to having this important conversation.
Barrier 3: “My son (or daughter) doesn’t want to hear anything from me about sex. Period. End of discussion.”
What if it’s just part of your teen that doesn’t want to hear anything from you about sex? And what if there is another part of him or her that needs to hear from you, his parent(s), about sex? Don’t buy into the lie that says your child never hears anything you say and will never listen to you. Extensive research points to the unparalleled longing for young people to hear from their parents on important issues (even the uncomfortable ones they tend to avoid).
Be consistent in your efforts to connect and communicate openly about difficult topics.
Sure, it can be an awkward conversation – especially if your family has never really had an open dialogue about matters of a sexual nature. But there are several resources that can assist you in creating an environment where your children feel safe (and encouraged!) to ask you their tough questions:
- 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son by Vicky George
- A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex by Kevin Leman & Kathy Flores Bell
- Beginning the Path to Purity by Laura Gallier
- Why Wait: What Singles Need to Know About Sex & Dating by Laura Gallier
- Choosing to Wait: A Parent’s Guide to Inspiring Abstinence by Laura Gallier
Check out additional blogs:
Talking with Your Teen About Porn: Is Today’s Porn Really Harmless?
Talking with your Teen About Porn: Preparing Yourself for the Conversation
Talking with your Teen About Porn: Having the Conversation(s)
Mindy Pierce, LPC
MPierce @ GrowCounseling.com
Photo Credit: Public Domain
