I was a poorly behaved teenager who experimented w lots of inappropriate things in spite of having really wonderful parents and coming from a loving community. I was curious and adventurous and insisted on learning everything for myself. I have always expected the worst from my kids. My 17 yo is imperfect and has made a few of my mistakes. I’m less reactive than my parents were. We make clear our concerns and boundaries, but try not to come across as condemning and convey that no matter what we have her back and we are here to help and support. We try to keep communication as open as possible. She’s not driving yet which gives us lots of access to her world and friends and interests. Im one of the only parents who is happy to provide rides as often as I’m able. I know a lot of families can’t wait for their teen to drive to be more independent but in our case I appreciate this continued closeness while she is still at this very formative stage.
Lot of really great stuff in here. Based on your other work I assume yes, but I hope she has an open door with you or some safe avenue to discuss her sexuality/understand what drove her to porn.
Yes. No matter what you think you are doing right there is always a way for satan to sneak in. Of course you should do what you can but also have humility that everyone’s child is able to get entrapped
I’m glad you caught this and were able to intervene. I read all of my son’s texts while he was in middle school. We had to have several conversations about what was appropriate but he learned. He had limited access to apps until high school, when we loosened the reins a little. But CONSTANT conversation. He also left his phone next to mine to charge every night - I know very few parents in my circle who restricted the phone at night. That didn’t end until he graduated from high school. Do I think I kept him from inappropriate content all the way through? No. But held off as long as I could, and kept talking.
Did you do anything with the school? Are they aware the kids were able to access that media?
I was a poorly behaved teenager who experimented w lots of inappropriate things in spite of having really wonderful parents and coming from a loving community. I was curious and adventurous and insisted on learning everything for myself. I have always expected the worst from my kids. My 17 yo is imperfect and has made a few of my mistakes. I’m less reactive than my parents were. We make clear our concerns and boundaries, but try not to come across as condemning and convey that no matter what we have her back and we are here to help and support. We try to keep communication as open as possible. She’s not driving yet which gives us lots of access to her world and friends and interests. Im one of the only parents who is happy to provide rides as often as I’m able. I know a lot of families can’t wait for their teen to drive to be more independent but in our case I appreciate this continued closeness while she is still at this very formative stage.
Lot of really great stuff in here. Based on your other work I assume yes, but I hope she has an open door with you or some safe avenue to discuss her sexuality/understand what drove her to porn.
Yes. No matter what you think you are doing right there is always a way for satan to sneak in. Of course you should do what you can but also have humility that everyone’s child is able to get entrapped
Great job. Blending rules with freedom/agency is key. Here is an extension of your intentionality. https://open.substack.com/pub/clownbasket/p/raising-kids-balancing-technology?r=kutjh&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Warrior status. Keep it up. DO NOT WAVER!!!
Prayers, too. Satan doesn't rest.
I’m glad you caught this and were able to intervene. I read all of my son’s texts while he was in middle school. We had to have several conversations about what was appropriate but he learned. He had limited access to apps until high school, when we loosened the reins a little. But CONSTANT conversation. He also left his phone next to mine to charge every night - I know very few parents in my circle who restricted the phone at night. That didn’t end until he graduated from high school. Do I think I kept him from inappropriate content all the way through? No. But held off as long as I could, and kept talking.
Good luck with that 👍
Mine are in their thirties. They both admit that these days are wildly different than even five years ago.