The Shocking Truth About Raising Confident Kids in a Digital World ft. Jim Burns

Have you ever asked yourself:

1. Do I create a safe, judgment-free environment where my kids can come to me with their awkward questions?
2. Am I making time for one-on-one connection with my kids, so these tough conversations can happen more naturally?
3. What steps am I taking to protect my kids from online exposure, and is there more I could be doing?

Navigating “the talk” about sex and sexuality is a daunting task for dads everywhere — and it never seems to get less awkward. In this powerful, candid episode, Larry sits down with renowned author and communicator Jim Burns to break down how dads can lead the way in guiding their kids through conversations about sex, porn, and growing up in a digital world.

Larry and Jim dive deep into the realities of “the talk”—why it never quite stops feeling awkward, and why that awkwardness can actually be a gateway to genuine connection with our kids. They explore why our own discomfort shouldn’t keep us from being the voices our children trust to learn about relationships, intimacy, and sexual integrity—especially when the internet and social media are more than willing to fill in any gaps we leave.

You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating these conversations, including how to replace a single, intimidating “talk” with hundreds of approachable one-minute chats, ways to demystify topics like pornography and online safety, and tips for tailoring discussions to your child’s unique personality.

If you want to raise confident kids who learn about sex and relationships from you—and not from TikTok or YouTube—this episode is packed with clarity, courage, and actionable advice to help you step up, again and again, in those crucial parenting moments.

Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

Larry’s Thoughts

1. Embracing Awkwardness: Jim Burns shares that awkward isn’t the enemy—it’s actually a doorway to true connection. If your head sweats or you stammer, congratulations, you’re doing it right!
2. From One “Talk” to 100 Conversations: The secret? Don’t stress the big performance. Focus on hundreds of one-minute check-ins and question invites over time.
3. Navigating Porn & Tech: In today’s world, our kids’ go-to source for sex education is often the internet. Jim breaks down how early and often these conversations need to happen—and why holding off on full-on smartphones can give your kids a real edge.
4. What If You’re Still Sorting Out Your Own Stuff: If you’re struggling with sexual integrity or have a messy past, don’t sit silently. Your honesty and process can become a powerful guide for your children.

This episode reminds us that showing up with intention, compassion, and consistency is what really matters.

Here’s what research and observation highlight about:

1. Studies show that 70% of teens report accidentally or intentionally encountering online pornography, 
2. Studies show that ongoing, bite-sized conversations are up to 50% more effective in retention and behavioral outcomes compared to single, formal discussions.
3. Studies found that teens who receive sex education from their parents are 24% less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior compared to those who learn primarily from peers or media 

Key Takeaways with Jim Burns:

1. Embrace the Awkwardness
2. Proactive, Not Just Reactive
3. Your Integrity Matters—But So Does Your Honesty

What You’ll Learn

00:00 — The Dad Edge mission and the power of intentional fatherhood
00:42 — Larry’s personal struggles with “the talk” and introducing Jim Burns
01:58 — Why “awkward” is good and how dads can embrace it
05:27 — The danger of letting the internet teach our kids first
07:06 — Why hundreds of brief conversations work better than one big one
10:57 — Tailoring your approach to each child’s unique personality
15:11 — Addressing pornography and the importance of preemptive, honest conversation
29:17 — Normalizing curiosity and explaining the brain’s response to porn
31:19 — Teaching radical respect and the role of sexual discipline
45:13 — Using shared activities and play to open dialogue
45:28 — When dads feel unqualified: honesty, recovery, and “walking securely”
56:43 — Changing your family’s legacy starts with your leadership
1:00:06 — Jim’s recommended resources for dads and where to find his books
1:04:16 — Final thoughts: Keep showing up, keep talking, keep leading

Jim Burns Links:

@drjimburns

@homewordcenter

thedadedge.socialhost.dev/alliance 

thedadedge.socialhost.dev/bark 

Home

@drjimburns

@homewordcenter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickywatters

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