Good News?

When looking at and critiquing culture, it can be difficult to be positive. It seems that every now and then, some group of individuals say, "Okay, enough is enough." Yesterday I posted about a mother who escorted her daughter to a fight all the while "cheering her on". Yesterday apparently, so other moms took control and voiced concern over Katy Perry's low cut outfit that seemed a bit revealing, while on Sesame Street. This goes to show that PARENTS have a good deal of control on Television programming - at least those types of programs that are geared towards children.

GMA just did a piece on the usage of foul-language where toddlers as young as 2 are dropping the "F-bomb". They were quick to point out that, yes, children do hear these things on television - HOWEVER - the reality is that most children get their first (and consistent) hearing of foul language in the home. What do these two things have in common? Simple: Parents are STILL the primary influencers in their home. (Of course, as kids get older, other influences outside the home now have their attention. All the more reason for parents to STAY ACTIVELY involved in their child's life as he or she gets older.)

Most parents tend to "drop out" of their child's life progressively as he or she gets older believing that this is what helps the child achieve autonomy. Somehow we brought into this lie! The older the child gets, the more potentially life-impacting decisions the child is making. Without adult guidance from their primary influencers (parents), then of course, kids rely on other influences to make their decisions. Parents do not have to abdicate their responsibilities or rights to ANY other influence.

When parents do "what is right for the best interest of their child", we will begin to turn the tide on the systemic abandonment of our children! To those parents who are doing the right things, keep up the good work!