In this powerful episode of the Shame(less) Podcast, host Ken Freire welcomes Jason Weening—husband, father of 10, and host of the Helping Men Thrive Podcast. Jason shares his wisdom on how fathers can help their children overcome the shame associated with pornography. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces, having ongoing conversations, and leading with intention and love.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Intentional Fatherhood: Jason emphasizes that being a father isn’t just about financial provision but about active leadership within the home.
- Creating Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations: Encouraging kids to ask questions without fear of shame is crucial to helping them navigate tough topics like pornography.
- The Role of Training and Preparation: Fathers often feel unequipped to discuss these topics due to lack of training—Jason offers practical advice on where to start.
- Recognizing the Signs of Struggle: Jason shares key indicators that your child may be struggling with pornography and how to address them without judgment.
- Practical Steps for Parents: From making pornography a casual, approachable topic to utilizing great resources, Jason provides actionable tips for fathers.
Notable Quotes:
- "Dads, you matter. What you do in your family carries more influence than anything else."
- "Feel the fear and do it anyway. You don’t have to be perfect—just start the conversation."
- "Normalize the conversation around pornography, so it’s not a shame-filled topic in your home."
Resources Mentioned:
- Books for Parents and Kids:Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen Jenson (for young children)
Who Made Me? – A simple, age-appropriate book for kids
The Talks by Barrett Johnson – A guide to ongoing conversations about sex and purity
God Made All of Me by Justin Holcomb – A resource for teaching kids about body safety and sexual abuse prevention
The Bible – Using scripture to naturally introduce conversations about sexual integrity - Jason's Website and Book:Visit heydads.ca for Jason’s podcast, resources, and parenting content
Danger in the Jungle – Jason’s fiction book for boys, available on Amazon
Practical Tips for Fathers:
- Start early—don’t wait for “the talk,” but have many talks over time.
- Use everyday opportunities like car rides or walks to introduce these conversations naturally.
- Be honest about your own experiences and struggles to create a culture of openness.
- Praise your kids when they come to you with questions or concerns, reinforcing trust and safety.
- Watch for signs of secrecy and isolation and address them with grace, not guilt.
Connect with Jason:
- Website: heydads.ca
- Book: Danger in the Jungle (available on Amazon)