Media Savvy Moms

Tell me if this sounds familiar? You love your kids, you love technology, but when they're together, you're terrified of both. Ok, terrified might be too strong a word. But, when you stop and think about it, there's just so much that can go wrong with kids and tech. Yet we live in a digital age. We're all on screens—for homework, entertainment, and everything in between. To survive emotionally, while raising kids in this media-saturated world, we gotta figure out how to untangle the tech, and fast!  In this episode, I speak with Andrea Davis. Andrea is the mom of five children, aged 17 and younger. She's also the founder of Better Screen Time, an incredible organization helping parents worry less about tech, and connect more with their kids. Today we're focusing on teens. For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

With the ease of access to today's online pornography, it makes sense to have open, honest conversations with children from an early age. That's the ideal. But it's not often how it goes, right? In fact, you may have a teen already—and you're just starting to think about how to broach this sensitive topic. You're not alone. My guess is you want to know how to break the ice in a way that doesn't feel awkward. You want to know the art and science of talking to teens about pornography! In this episode, I speak with Gabe Deem, international speaker and creator of Reboot Nation—a free online recovery community that's helped thousands of individuals overcome problems related to compulsive porn use. Gabe takes a non-shaming, fact-based approach to this important conversation.  For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

Imagine your child's little league team facing off against top NFL players. Ridiculous, right? A mismatch in every sense of the word. We would never allow it. It's dangerous. It's reckless. Our children would get hammered. They might never recover. Yet every day, children and teens enter an arena with just as many odds stacked against them. Unrestricted internet for kids is like asking Little League to compete against the Pros. I've got a sports analogy for you today. I'm using my son's experience of playing organized football for the first time to highlight the disadvantage children and young teens have as they try to navigate an internet that was not designed for their safety. But here's the thing. With the right coaching and practice routine, this is a game we can win!    For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

Ever tried to distract a restless child in a grocery store, doctors' office, or while traveling? Portable screens can feel like a magical pacifying gift, right? But what if they become the norm? Are there long-term implications? Does excessive screen time affect child development? Or are we just letting the guilt and fear get the better of us? It seems that tech is here to stay. So let's discuss a savvy way to build safer screen habits with our little ones. In this episode, I speak with Penny Marenge, the creator of Screens n Kids, an online platform with a mission to preserve the Early Years. Penny comes to the conversation with a wealth of knowledge she's gathered as a mental health nurse practitioner and mother of two pre-school-age children.  For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

Ever have trouble motivating your young teen to follow the family rules around tech and screens? Kids this age still need lots of love, guidance, and direction. Yet, they're naturally prone to push boundaries and gravitate toward peer influence. That can feel scary for us moms and dads. But following their peers is not ALWAYS a bad thing. Especially if we can get our youth to mentor each other in a positive way. Imagine! Middle-schoolers empowering middle schoolers to make safer media decisions. For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

You try everything in your power to protect your kids from online pornography. Yet, you know it's probably not enough. You're swimming against a raging current. The content coming at kids is relentless. Exposure seems inevitable. At some point, we have to say enough! Governments across the globe must act. We need real legislation that can protect minors from the constant threat of exposure to pornography In this episode, I speak with Canadian Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne who has proposed new legislation with bill S-210 An Act to restrict young persons' online access to sexually explicit material. If passed, pornographic websites would be required to implement meaningful age verification processes or face significant fines.    For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

Let's talk, trust and honesty. Thinking about all the things that could go wrong for kids is going to stir up some big worries. Yet, kids are online every day. Whether they're on a smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or school-issued laptop, we want to trust that they will be safe. That our child or teen will make smart decisions online. The best way to arrive at that trust is to model honesty in our own communication. For complete show notes, visit www.ParentsAware.info

What makes you most angry, upset, or frustrated about parenting in the digital age. Think about it and make a mental checklist. Next, shift your focus to what in this world is most worth protecting? Finally, imagine if the internet would protect children not porn? What if you could help?  In this episode, I talk with Helen Taylor the Vice President of Impact for Exodus Cry an organization committed to abolishing sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Helen helps us understand the intersection between pornography and sex trafficking. As well, she shares a simple action we can take to make the internet a safer place, not just our children, but all children, everywhere. For complete show notes, visit ParentsAware.info

We often try to wait for the perfect moment or the right age to talk to our kids about pornography and other tricky topics. Then, in a blink, our kids have grown up. The perfect moment never arrived. What do we do then? Are we too late? Is it worth starting the conversation with an older teen?  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, click here. 

Ever made what you thought was a great resolution only to be defeated before you start? Yup, you and me both. So what do we do to build safer screen habits? How do we resolve to improve knowing full well we're going to face challenges, obstacles, and maybe even failures right at the outset? It comes down to establishing direction. Keep in mind that this is a journey. And every good journey requires a navigation tool. Something to move you in the right direction—like a compass or a map. Building safer screen habits isn't about passing or failing, winning or losing. It's about able to recenter when you get off track. It's about moving ever forward in the direction that you want to go. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.  

I've said it a gajillion times. I'll say it again. Our kids are waiting for us to start this conversation! But what if we get mixed signals in return? Like slammed doors. Or a son who suddenly grunts most of his words. What then? Is there a different approach for boys than girls? And how does a boy's journey through puberty impact their response to pornography?  In this episode, I am talking to Cara Natterson, MD, a pediatrician, consultant, and New York Times, bestselling author. She's written numerous books on parenting and puberty. Her latest work, Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons, is the inspiration for today's discussion.   Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

I've heard it both ways. Either “I could never tell my parents” or “telling my parents was the best thing I ever did.” Sometimes from the same kid! The truth is, it's often when our kids need us the most that they retreat and distance themselves from help. Think about it. If it's hard for us to talk to our kids about pornography, imagine how they must feel if they've been struggling with it. In this episode, I invite parents to listen while I speak directly to tweens and teens. I give them advice on how to understand their parents' reactions. But more importantly, why their parents can be trusted to help with any challenge they face. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Porn is a health issue that impacts EVERYONE—women and men, girls, and boys. Still, the statistics are clear that boys consume porn more frequently and earlier than girls. So while we work hard to dispel the myth that “only boys struggle” we certainly don't want to minimize or dismiss their specific challenges. What do they need? How can we reach them? And how can we help boys build identity and self-worth free from pornography? In this episode, I talk with Sathiya Sam, the creator of DeepCleanTM, an addiction recovery program for men. Sathiya knows firsthand how early exposure can negatively impact a boy's sexual development. He was just 11 years old when a friend showed him pornography in the computer lab at their school. We talk about his initial reaction. And how, in the absence of another. framework, porn continued to shape his ideas about sex throughout adolescence. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

TMI, too much information. It's a real thing. And it can present real challenges when talking to kids about pornography. How do we balance the desire to protect children while preparing them with the information they need?  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you'd like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us.  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

It's tricky enough managing media and screens with one child, right? What do you do when you have a whole crew of kids? A lot of well-meaning parenting advice tends to gloss over the reality that most families are navigating multiple ages and stages of development simultaneously. How do you shelter the youngest while giving your older children the autonomy they need? This week I am excited to chat with Candance Larson, mother of eight children and host of the Thriving with 8 Podcast. Candace is an advocate for recognizing motherhood as the best profession in the world and is also very passionate about educating on media safety and technology.  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Time and again, the same questions come up. When should I talk to my kids? How do I get started? Won't I make them more curious? Almost every parent feels this, I think. This is why I am excited to announce that Get Off the Fence is finally available! This course is a guided method to help parents move from feeling anxious to confidently talking to their child or teen about pornography. Ready to get started?  In this episode, I'll explain exactly what I mean when I say get off the fence, what the fence is, how to take that first step, and what to do when you feel stuck. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Think about your city. Then think about the children that live there. What are their needs? What are their wants? What is their cry? Once we start asking the right questions, that's when we start to get answers—solutions. For one woman the solution was to collaborate with her mayor and launch the City Free From Porn campaign.  This week, I am thrilled to have Letitia Shelton return to the podcast. You may remember, I spoke with her in season two about instilling value, beauty, and purpose in girls (Ep. #2-9). Back then we briefly talked about the City Free From Porn campaign. This year she's taken it to a new level and it deserves our full attention.  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

When it comes to talking to kids about pornography, what's better, boldness or bravery? The answer is YES! With a topic that takes most of us far outside our comfort zone, we need to gather all the strength we can muster.  A phrase I often repeat is: be bold, be brave, be honest. I believe these are the secret sauce ingredients to building, not just our own confidence around tricky topics like pornography, but also in opening the doors and getting our kids to engage in the conversation. All three are necessary. Today, we'll focus on the first two. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Did you grow up going to sleepovers? Do you have fond memories? Best friends, hanging out all night? Are you eager to carry on the tradition? Or would you rather it disappear altogether? What about the risks? Are they greater in the digital age? Or is there any way to ensure a safer sleepover experience? Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

The sex talk has gotten a bad rap for decades. Awkward. Uncomfortable. Embarrassing. Does it have to be that way? Not at all. Many of our preconceptions about sex talks with children and teens are actually false. If we want to help our kids understand the harms of pornography, the truth is, we have to start with healthy and positive conversations about sex. Let's find out how.  In this episode, I am joined by Natasja Visser, the creator of Let'SEXplain, a program designed to help parents and teens talk openly about sex. Natasja's approach is down-to-earth and inviting. With all her amazing practical tips I dare you to listen and not want to talk to your kids. Actually, that's silly. Just go talk to your kids! Natasja makes it easy! Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Raising kids in the digital age means there is no escaping the question about screens. Actually, it's a long list of questions. How much screen time is ok? Does it depend on the activity? When should my child get their own tablet, device, or smartphone? What's healthy? What's not? And what is meant by clean vs toxic tech habits? In this episode I talk with Melanie Hempe, founder and executive director of ScreenStrong, an organization that offers a unique approach to eliminate childhood screen dependency. Together, we take a closer look at society's acceptance of toxic screen use and discuss how to help parents and children reject the pressure to engage early with gaming, social media, and smartphones. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

There's a lot of pressure on parents to get their kids a smartphone and the latest social apps. What if you're not ready to give in but your child's insisting they need a phone to feel included. Is this a valid reason? If not, how do you say no?  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.  

There's a trend that has coaches worried. Participation in youth sports is down across the board. And the steady decline seems to correlate with the rise of smartphones and other technologies. For many coaches, the concern goes beyond the field, pitch, or pool and are urging parents to pay careful attention to their kids' confidence, self-esteem, and body image. Sport is not just sport. It has immense physical and mental benefits too. In this episode, I am joined by Larissa Mills, founder of iparentgen.com, a parenting website and resource to help families balance the use of phones. Our conversation today centers around the often-overlooked value of sport for instilling confidence, improving self-esteem, and developing a healthy body image. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Back to school is the perfect time to review safety strategies with kids. One that's simple and effective is asking your child or teen to come up with a list of trusted adults to add to their Safe Network.  Having a Safe Network is a concept we highlight in our 5 Body Safety Tips for Kids guide. That's something you'll want to print out and stick on your fridge. But in this episode, I walk through the details of helping kids choose who to put in their Safe Network and why it's important to go to a variety of different sources to build your team.  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Ever heard of Only Fans? It's an online platform where content creators get paid directly by their followers, a.k.a. fans, for the photos and videos they share. But the site is rife with porn and exploitation. And worse, it's targeting young women in droves with promises of turning likes and follows into instafame and fortune. In this episode, I speak with Meghan Donevan, research director at Talita, a Swedish organization offering exit programs to trafficked and prostituted women. Together, we discuss the inherent problems with platforms such as OnlyFans and their impact on both individuals and society. Plus, strategies parents can use to talk to their kids about sexual exploitation and how to safeguard them against traps like OnlyFans.  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

In this episode, I share not one but six ways to transition casual conversations to the topic of pornography. These tips are designed to help you talk openly with extended family, neighbors, and close friends. We know that pornography grows in the shadows. It thrives in secrecy. When we stay silent, it wreaks havoc on people's lives. This is about shining a light on that threat. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Filters installed. Devices monitored. Online safety taught. All of this, and children can still make poor choices—like sending nudes. So, how do we respond when we learn of this behavior?  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.   Dear Savvy: Help! My child is sending nudes. What should I do? I'm shocked. My daughter is only eleven-years-old. I did everything by the books. I even kept her phone at night, and this still happened.   

We know the term cyberbullying. So do our kids. But what about cyberstalking and sextortion? Not so much. Yet, these are serious online threats putting more kids at risk than most of us realize. What do we need to know to empower kids to be internet safe?  In this episode, I speak with Matt Richardson, an awesome dad of two and founder of the Digital Empowerment Project Canada. Matt is OSINT and SOCINT credentialed. Which means he spends his work hours investigating internet intelligence and decoding information in an effort to reduce harms and end online exploitation. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Dandelions. Clover. Weeds! Most agree that these invaders are to be eradicated from our lawns and gardens ASAP. If not they will spread and take over. Similarly, we want to root out pornography before it takes hold. Today, Lisa Whitsitt and I are having a conversation about weeds and pornography. Lisa is our Director of Educational Outreach and is very involved in developing community connections for Parents Aware. She is also proactive in reaching out to government leaders to advocate for legislative change to protect children from online harms.   Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Do you know a teen who is struggling to quit porn? The reality is that many kids get caught in a porn trap. They want to quit. They try to quit. Yet, they find themselves returning again and again. Imagine, what if there was a tool that could help fortify teens against pornography? In this episode, I am joined by Clay Olsen, Co-founder of Fight The New Drug (FTND), a youth movement dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of pornography. Clay is also the Founder of Fortify, a recovery tool designed to support anyone—youth and adults—seeking a future free from pornography. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

We keep scratching our heads trying to figure out why young kids are sexting. But the fact is the formula is pretty basic: (curious kids + digital devices) x (sexualized media) = sexting normalized. So, the question is not if I need to have this conversation but how do I talk to my child about sexting without being awkward.  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Porn harms families. No question there. So what do you do when a parent struggles with sexual addiction? Instinct may be to keep it hidden. Your spouse knows—but not the children. You reason the truth would be too painful. Better that they never find out. And yet, experience and research show that children actually suffer more from the weight of hidden truths than they do from careful and honest disclosure. Tara McCausland, Director of Outreach for SA Lifeline joins me this week to discuss this very sensitive topic. SA Lifeline is a non-profit foundation that provides education, resources, and a 12-Step group for those suffering from pornography and sexual addiction. As well as for family members who’ve experienced betrayal trauma in the wake of addiction. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Involved parents worry about their child or teen’s safety online. And rightly so. The nature of the internet means harmful content could come across their screen at any time. Dangerous situations seem to be lurking around every corner. So, many parents wonder, how often should I monitor my child’s smartphone? Should I check it daily? And is that really the best way to keep them from harm?  In this episode, I confess that I don't check my child's phone the way many parents do. Saying that publicly on this podcast does make me feel a little vulnerable. I recognize I’m going against the grain. But, I hope, as I explain the principles behind my strategy and how online safety is always a top priority in our home, I feel confident in saying there are better (and less cumbersome) ways to keep kids safe than simply checking their smartphone. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Every mom is amazing! There’s no question there. Yet, we are often our own worst critic. When things don’t go according to plan, the negative self-talk comes flooding in. So, how can we start to believe in ourselves again? And how can building mom confidence change the dynamic we have with our kids and their tech? In this episode, I ask Leah Davidson, co-founder of H&L Life Coaching, what to do when we feel like we’re not thriving. We take a fresh look at what confidence means. And how that applies to raising kids in a media-saturated, pandemic stricken, year of virtual school, kind of world!  Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

It’s normal. It’s natural. Everyone goes through it! And every kid has LOTS of questions. Yet, for many families talking about puberty still feels awkward and embarrassing to mention—leaving kids to sort through confusing information on their own. Often, that’s whatever media and friends throw their way. That doesn’t seem fair or terribly healthy, does it? So, how can we move past any discomfort and learn to embrace the new puberty talks for a media-saturated world?   This week, I got to connect with Rowena Thomas, who is the facilitator of Amazing Me in Sydney, Australia. Rowena provides programs to schools and resources for parents and kids about sex and puberty. I met Rowena through Instagram, where I immediately fell in love with her bright, cheerful, and exuberant posts. Her message is that conversations with our kids about sex can be more fun and less complicated! Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Are you a mom to boys? Do you worry about helping them mature into sexually responsible teens and adults? How often do you defer to dad for “The Talk?” Have you ever questioned, can moms talk to boys about pornography? If so, you’re not alone.  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Yes, it feels easier to say, I don’t want to go there, I don't want to talk about it. But we know sweeping tough issues under the carpet doesn’t make them disappear. In fact, it only increases the trauma. Children are hurting. Families are being torn apart. So, we’re going to be bold. We’re going to face this issue straight on. And we’re going to talk about pornography’s role in the rise of child-on-child sexual assault. I’m so grateful to Heidi Olson, MSN, RN, CPN, SANE-P,  for joining me on the show this week. She is an absolute superhero. There’s nothing easy about her job. Every single day she is dealing with children’s disclosure of sexual assault. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

You caught your child watching pornography. You talked about it and have a handle on the situation. But now you are wondering: Should I bring up the subject again? And, if so, how often should I talk to my child about pornography? Will my relationship with my child stay healthy if I go back to the topic too often?  This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

When I say the words human trafficking what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Kidnapped? Overseas? Impoverished? Or maybe you think of street kids and runaways? Rarely, do we imagine this could be impacting our kids. But it does. Victim or not. Trafficked or not.  This is part of the culture they are growing up in. But what if we could harness the creative energy of these youth to end exploitation? In this episode, I am joined by Cheryl Perera, founder of OneChild. This organization has already benefited over 79,000 individuals in 11 different countries. But more than that, it is the first in the world to empower a youth-led movement against the exploitation of children. At the core of OneChild’s work is article 12 on the Convention of the Rights of the Child which states that every child has a right to have a say in matters that affect them. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Raising kids in a media-saturated world can feel a lot like shovelling in a snowstorm. So much tech, so fast. It feels impossible to keep pace. Try as we might, we can’t control everything that comes at our kids. Sometimes we can’t even ensure they’ll have a clear path to navigate. But we can teach them to think differently—to tap into their core values. Ultimately, to chart their own course towards safer screen habits. This week I talk with Lisa and Jason Frost, founders of Wired Human and authors of The Glass Between Us: Empowering Youth to Combat Digital Exploitation—A Value-Based Approach to Screen-Driven Tech. These two are amazing, passionate, and full of great ideas. They are parents of two young children who have worked extensively with youth for more than a decade. They’ve seen first-hand what teens today are up against.  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/.

When you need to communicate the next play in football, you huddle. When you need to regroup, you call a timeout. It’s not all that different for a family when you think about it. Each day, there are plays to be made, problems to solve, and new ground to cover. Why not huddle? Try a Family POWER Meeting to layout your next winning game plan. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Do you ever find yourself caught in a parenting slump? You know, when it feels like the weight of the world rests on your shoulders; but your last ounce of creativity just flew out the window. How do you get unstuck? Try harnessing the energy of the Family POWER Meeting. If you’re a longtime listener of the podcast then you’ve heard me use the term Family POWER Meeting before. I think it's one of the most effective tools a family can use to foster better, more open communication. (And you know I’m all about open, honest communication!) But a Family POWER Meeting is more than that. It’s an energy booster, a problem solver, a solution generator, and effective crisis control. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Addicted. Not addicted. How would you describe someone that can’t stop looking at porn? What if that someone is just a kid? Does that change your perspective? If addiction is not the right word, what do we call it? How should a parent respond when their teen feels trapped? Does it help to know how a teen’s brain responds to porn?  These are the questions I was eager to ask Mary Sharpe. She, with her husband Dr. Darryl Mead, founded the Reward Foundation in 2014. They aim to make the science of sex, love, and relationships accessible to everyone. What drew me to them is their concern about pornography’s impact on adolescent growth and development. 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/.

Who has time for self-care when their child is struggling? As moms, we tend to put everyone else first, neglecting our own well-being. We take on guilt and lose our individuality. We assume we’ll have time to take care of ourselves after the crisis has passed. But while we’re frantically patching up the problems on the outside, our insides are deteriorating.   In this episode, Barb Winters of hopefulmom.net joins Marilyn to talk about the importance of self-care, especially when our child is in a crisis. A few months after Barb learned of her son’s struggle with porn, she realized she was grieving the loss of the son she thought she knew, and she heeded the advice she had given so many other women. Take time to mourn the loss and heal. We are more effective when we parent our children from a place of wholeness.   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/.

More than a half-century beyond the civil rights movement and America is still fighting to end racism. How does this connect to the conversation of pornography? Think about it. Porn thrives on exploitation. Racism included. But it’s something most people don’t consider. Why is that? What are the consequences of leaving racism in pornography unchecked?  Dr. Carolyn West is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington, Tacoma. In that capacity, she’s been investigating domestic violence and sexual assault for more than two decades. Recently, she began to look more closely at racism in pornography. What she found was deeply disturbing. In an effort to raise public awareness and help college students recognize blatant racism in the media they consume, she created the documentary film, “Let Me Tell Ya’ll ‘Bout Black Chicks: Images of Black Women in Pornography.” Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to their children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality. For complete show notes, visit http://parentsaware.info/index.php/podcast/.

Does the idea of talking to your child or teen about pornography make you nervous? Why do you think that is? Perhaps, simply, it’s a conversation muscle that hasn’t been used. I’ve been thinking about strength lately. And all the courageous things we do as parents that take us out of our comfort zone. What do you do when you don’t feel strong? How can you find the necessary courage and strength to talk to your kids about pornography? One of my friends posted about an impressive (read: insane) workout she completed on New Year’s Day to mark the beginning of 2021. It was a combination of things like lunges, mountain climbers, burpees, pushups, situps, etc. to make up a mere 2000 reps. Whoa! For most of us, what my friend accomplished sounds way too hard to even attempt—almost impossible. 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/.

When has sex-education not been a polarizing topic? One side against the other. Home against the state. But while concerned adults are still duking it out, internet pornography has swooped in and taken over. Not cool! Porn instructs children and teens through the lens of exploitation. So how do we set our differences aside and find a way to safely address pornography in the classroom? Liz Walker, Managing Director of the Youth Wellbeing Project, says the key to better education is to get over the “us against them” mentality. Rather, we need to look at both sides objectively to determine what’s actually putting our kids at risk. Children and teens can be fortified against the harms of porn. But we need to give them an opportunity to understand what drives the industry (i.e., violence, exploitation, trafficking, and profit) and help them appreciate porn’s impact on individuals, relationships, and society. 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/.

Your child’s been caught looking at pornography again and again. How do you respond? Is it panic first? Quickly followed by a determination to “fix” the problem? Maybe you want to spring into action. Finding therapy for your child crosses your mind. Why? Because dealing with pornography is new to your parenting repertoire. But is therapy right for your child? 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/.

Imagine being a kid, all alone, and carrying the weight of a dark secret. For many teens, that’s how they describe using porn. What begins as curiosity quickly becomes a compulsion. Breaking free feels nearly impossible. Now, imagine being that same kid and finding out you have a whole team supporting you: parents and friends that love you enough to tackle the porn talk. And help you find true freedom from pornography! I had the privilege this week of meeting and talking with Smith Alley. By all accounts Smith is your average seventeen-year-old. He goes to high school. He loves to play football and lacrosse. He loves to connect and hang out with friends. In his spare time he works on his motorcycle and fixes up old cars. Plus, he’s set up his own company to help families tackle the porn talk and stay safe online.  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/.

Welcome, 2021! And welcome, third season of the Media Savvy Moms podcast. I’m excited to see where this year will take us. I'm an optimist at heart and I can’t help but think, no matter what life throws at us this year, we got this! I know you’ve probably gone through tough times. And you’ve got big worries. I have them too. But I believe that together we can look forward with excitement, joy, and confidence to the year ahead. Imagine us sitting down together with a cup of tea. Or better yet, going on a walk—talking through whatever is most pressing on your mind. For me, it just helps to get the words out. Somehow it helps put things in perspective. And there’s nothing like a friend to be your sounding board … definitely makes the worries more manageable. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality.

Want to connect more with your kids over the holidays? Consider the benefit of storytelling and shared memories. It’s a strange and wonderful gift. One that I discovered almost by accident. A few years back my parents decided they wanted a different kind of Christmas gift. Instead of a wrapped present, they asked me (and each of my siblings) to write a story—or more precisely a memory. It could be from our childhood or otherwise. The only rule was that it had to be ready to share with the whole family on Christmas Day. Media Savvy Moms is a podcast by ParentsAware, an organization dedicated to helping parents talk to children and teens about pornography and healthy sexuality.