How to Effectively and Confidently Talk to Our Kids About Porn ft. Sathiya Sam | Dad Edge Live QA Mastermind
Sep 20, 2023
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Experienced dad Sathiya Sam joins the podcast to discuss talking to kids about pornography, creating a safe space for conversations, and helping a child struggling with addiction. They also talk about the 'Man Within' podcast and the importance of building meaningful connections and learning from mistakes in overcoming porn addiction.
Creating an environment of trust and psychological safety is crucial for discussing pornography with kids.
Reducing or eliminating pornography can have positive effects on mental, emotional, and relational well-being.
Modeling respectful behavior towards women and discussing the potential negative impact of pornography helps young men develop healthy perspectives on relationships and sexuality.
Deep dives
The Importance of Psychological Safety in Talking to Kids About Pornography
Creating an environment of psychological safety is crucial for having open conversations with kids about pornography. It is important to let them know that they won't be in trouble if they come to you with questions or if they've been exposed to porn. Building trust and making them feel comfortable to talk about sensitive topics is essential. Sharing your own shortcomings and vulnerabilities can also help create a safe space for them to open up. Consistent communication and leaving the conversation open for future discussions is key to navigating the topic.
The Impact of Pornography on Mental and Emotional Well-being
Excessive pornography consumption can have negative effects on mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that reducing or eliminating pornography from one's life can lead to improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety and stress, and enhanced emotional intimacy in relationships. It can also improve partner satisfaction during sexual encounters and increase trust and communication within the relationship. Additionally, quitting porn can enhance personal growth, productivity, focus, concentration, and overall life satisfaction.
Addressing the Issue of Sexting and Influencing Young Women
Sexting and the influence of today's society on young women is an important conversation to have with young men. Understanding that sexting and pornography are connected can help guide the conversation. It is essential to model respectful behavior towards women and treat them with dignity. By setting a positive example and actively discussing the potential negative impact of pornography, young men can develop a healthy perspective on relationships and sexuality. It is also important to recognize that pornography is not just a male issue, and young women can also be influenced by it.
Age-appropriate conversations about pornography addiction and sharing personal struggles
When discussing age-appropriate sharing of one's struggles with pornography addiction, it is important to identify what information is suitable for children at different ages. The researcher Dr. Andrew Bowman suggests that children are sexual beings from a young age, so it is crucial to start building a conceptual understanding of intimacy, privacy, and boundaries early on. Parents can gauge appropriateness by consulting with a co-parent and keeping conversations open and ongoing. The goal is to create a safe environment, have multiple conversations over time, and err on the side of caution when sharing personal struggles with pornography.
Helping a child struggling with pornography addiction
To help a child struggling with pornography addiction, it is first important to determine if the child wants to change. While parents can offer support, ultimately, the child must be willing to change themselves. Parents can encourage positive activities that can divert attention away from pornography, such as writing, sharing gratitude, or engaging in acts of kindness. It is crucial for parents to work through their own shame around the issue, as children can sense discomfort and insincerity. By sharing their own stories honestly and confidently, parents can create an environment of truth and non-judgment where the child feels safe to openly discuss their struggles.
Larry Hagner hosts members of the Dad Edge Mastermind in this behind-the-scenes episode. This is an opportunity for members to ask Larry and the community their most pressing questions and get tailored insights from experienced dads.
From work-life balance to dealing with tough emotions and building stronger relationships with our kids, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies to help you become the best dad you can be.
Sit back, listen in and get ready to level up your fatherhood game.
