This is a guest post written by Josh Glaser and Daniel Weiss on NCOSE
No parents want to find out that their son or daughter has been viewing pornography, but every parent should plan for it. A 2016 Barna study revealed that over two-thirds of 13-24-year-old males and one-third of 13-24-year-old females are viewing pornography at least monthly. In all likelihood, that number has increased in the past five years. Also in 2016, an Indiana University study found that, of the kids who are viewing porn, only half their parents believe they are.
It can be heartbreaking for a parent to learn that a son or daughter has been viewing pornography, but parents can recognize that this discovery means that their child no longer has to navigate this difficult, addictive problem all alone. Guiding a child out of pornography use is a process of many steps, but the following five tips can help parents strengthen relationships with their children as they walk this journey together.
1. Take care of yourself first.
Many parents rush to confront their son or daughter, lock down devices, and do everything they can think of to rid their home of pornography. This is understandable, but it’s not advisable as the first step. In airline safety talks, flight attendants remind parents to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting their children. They know a parent’s first instinct is to help their kids, but if dad or mom doesn’t take care of himself or herself first, then neither they nor their kids will be conscious for long.
The same principle applies when a parent discovers a pornography secret. Before jumping in to the process with your child, confide in a trusted adult to support you as you walk through the discovery and healing process with your children in the months ahead.
