Family Follow Ups

Talking with your kids about porn and Internet dangers is not a one time deal. The porn talk is an ongoing conversation and open dialogue that will continue on as your kids continue to grow. It is critical that we don’t frame this up as a one time event. Okay. We talked about it. We’re good for the next eighteen years. No way.

Here is what we’ve learned. The first conversation is certainly the hardest. Starting from scratch and getting those first few uncomfortable words out is tough. But as you get going you feel a lot more comfortable. It will certainly take an enormous effort to have that initial porn talk. But we know that if you can do it once you can certainly do it again and again and again. And that is key to the overall success with this issue.

As you begin to put together your strategy and game plan for talking with your kids about porn and Internet dangers, think of it in terms of multiple conversations. You don’t have to cover all issues in that first conversation. You could simply layout some of the big issues and start to establish that the issue of porn is one that as a family we will be talking about.

Many parents set up some long term plan for many conversations for addressing this issue. One conversation may be on the impact of porn. A couple weeks later you’re talking about MySpace or social networks. Maybe one conversation is about the filter you are adding to the computer to help prevent unwanted porn. Or you could discuss a certain news story with your kids or current event that relates to porn or Internet dangers.

Creating a safe environment for these conversations is critical and the best way to do this is to keep dialoguing about it. Many parents have found that often their kids will come to them to talk about porn. If a safe environment has been established, often their children will come to them with questions and concerns. Keep following up. Keep the channels of conversation open. This is the winning formula. As Ben Franklin once said, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Possible Follow Ups

Talk about some news story that deals with Internet dangers.

Go over the rules of the family computer.

Talk as a family about expectations for the Internet and computer use.

If your child brings something up in regards to this issue use it as a family opportunity to openly talk as a family.