Not Alone: Parenting Support When Your Teen Has Porn Problems with Valerie Thomson

Media Savvy Moms

We have a porn problem. To fix it we need to get it out in the open. Yes, we’re getting better at acknowledging that porn targets kids. But we still talk in generalities. Like it’s something that's out there. When in reality it’s in here. It’s in our homes. It’s part of our kids’ lives. And to help them we need to start talking to other parents about our real worries and concerns.

Wait! What? You’re suggesting I tell someone if my child can’t stop looking at porn? Won’t that embarrass them or expose me to harsh criticism?

Ok. We’re not suggesting you tell just anyone and everyone. But if your child is struggling with porn, there are good reasons to seek support outside your immediate family. To learn more, listen to this week’s podcast. It’s actually an archived conversation between our founder Marilyn and her sister Val. They each open up about their own experiences with kids and porn. And why telling someone else was one of the best things they did to help their kids on a path to healing and recovery.

More about today’s guest

Valerie Thomson is a mom of 8 and grandma to 8, with more on the way. She loves swimming, cycling, running, and hiking. When her kids were young, Val enjoyed homeschooling for many years. Today, some of her favorite moments include adventures with the grandkids. Val holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Western Ontario and coaches individuals in lifestyle medicine.

Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to kids and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.