Rebuilding The River Banks - One Parent's Journey

The journey began in 2006 after reading an article which showed a parallel between a river and the family, and the results of erosion! The article made clear that a river although beautiful and teaming with life, becomes a swamp if its riverbanks are allowed to erode! It went on to depict the swamp of death that results from this uncontrolled, once source of life. The article was a call to take our heads out of the sand and realize that this is the very thing happening in our society and in our homes today; the river banks are eroding.

My son and I have a great relationship, we talk about everything; when he was about 16 we were talking about porn, the internet, sex, etc., he made a comment which stuck in my mind, he said, "Dad, with things the way they are going, what will the world be like when my little brother is a teenager?” This comment was called up when reading the article I just described... I decided then, that I could not sit around and do nothing, that I would somehow find a way to make a difference.

The internet, and porn in particular, became the focus of my attention. As a teacher, youth-minister, parent, and adult catechist I knew that this issue was a growing crisis and that most parents, despite their efforts to control the internet, were losing the battle. With the help of my brother, and after several months of research... http://www.myinternetdoorman.org/ was born! This site was designed to keep parents informed about technology, porn, and how to talk to their kids about these issues. I keep it up to date with a monthly newsletter, new video clips to view and share with your kids if appropriate, information on the dangers of internet porn, a village forum for parents to post questions and solutions and support each other, and a great Q&A section. Many families have expressed their thanks for our resources and I know we are making a difference.

My journey continues down many roads; I am scheduled to do presentations in several schools for both Parents and Teens in September-- 1 for the parents, teachers, and administrators on the dangers of internet porn and a section I call "PORN IN THE YEAR 2008" a censored representation of the reality which our kids are exposed to ... it's not Playboy!!! The other, with the youth, regarding their use of the internet, social networking, predators, the effects of porn on future relationships, and the sort!

As parents and adults, we need to take a stand and begin to set an example for what is and is not acceptable.

Mr. M