Written by: Clark Mitchell
1/15/2010 8:38 AM

Influence #5: The Media

Every day the alarm goes off and so does the media blitz on our kids. Their ihomes sit in their bedrooms with their itouchs, iphones, or ipods, going off and the race is on. Throughout the day they are receiving hundreds of texts, emails, new games, etc. If they are younger, you throw them in the back of the minivan (I don't miss the minivan days), or the SUV, and throw on a DVD to keep them entertained so you can pay attention to driving (or talking on your phone). The minute school gets out, they are on the bus playing the lastest game they have downloaded. They come in the door for a break, to choose from 200 cable stations, and their free time has just begun.

Get the picture!

I love innovation and technology! I think it is a terrible idea to stick our heads in the sand and remember the way it "used to be". (That worked out so well.) BUT, I do think, as parents, you have to have a plan on how to deal with the media influence in your kids' life, and it needs to be effective.

Several weeks ago Christopher came in to let me know he was going to a movie. I asked which one, and I didn't approve. At that point I could have gone off on a "Dad rant", but instead I had him look up the reviews on the movie to see if it looked like it represented his values. After about 15 seconds of reading he simply said, "This isn't something I want to see, I'll stay home".

We didn't have a big throw down, or 30 minute debate, we simply presented the facts, knowing he would make the wise decision.

As a parent you need to have a plan on how to deal with the media influence! They are dealing with it, so why not influence it? Plus, they need to learn innovation if they want to keep up in the future.

Random thoughts:

• Have them read their Bible online at youversion.com - you should do it yourself!
• Have them read the book Rebelution & check out the rebelution website.
• If they want to go see a movie, have them look up the reviews and write a summary of how that helps them live into their potential.
• Don't be naive!!! If you have HBO, Cinemax, or Showtime, your kids are more than likely are watching some things that don't help their walk with Christ! (late at night, when you are snoring!)

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