Today I am wrapping up the “Raising Good Kids In An ‘R-rated’ World” series of posts.  This is the 14th post in the series and we have covered a lot of ground.  Let’s take a quick review and then wrap things up with a final thought and conclude with a hint of something special coming soon.

Television – Week 1 & 2

The series got off to a booming and successful start with two posts about what we watch on television.  “What Do You Watch?” challenged parents and children alike to take an honest look at what they are watching on television.  The follow-up post “Did You See That?” took a look at the TV ratings system. These posts received a large number of shares on Facebook, Twitter, and in church bulletins.  I appreciate everyone who helped share this series of posts.

Most important thing to remember: Television is fun, educational and entertaining.  Please make sure you are vigilant about what you and your children are being entertained by.

Streaming Media & Guiding Principles Introduction – Week 3

Perhaps my favorite post in the series was the “Guiding Principles and New Technology” post about streaming media.  We are quickly getting to the point where cable and satellite are obsolete because everything is streamed.  Your digital natives (children) are already well aware of this.  Are you keeping up with what they are watching on their computer or mobile device?

Most important thing to remember: Parents will drive themselves nuts trying to keep up with the latest technology.  Teach your children guiding principles and live them out as a family.  New technology will come and go but guiding principles will frame good decisions.

Video Games – Weeks 4, 5 & 6

Does your child have a $500 Xbox One or PS4 on their Christmas list this year?  The gaming industry is in a process of change as high priced gaming consoles are being replaced by tablets and “Mobile Gaming.”  “Video Games” provided an overview of the gaming industry, including some surprising statistics.  “Video Game Ratings” provided a detailed look at the ratings system for games and included my only direct ‘do not buy’ warning of the entire series.

Most important thing to remember: Video games are great fun!  Children and parents alike need to be careful that their games are not distracting from what is really important.

Music – Weeks 7, 8 & 9

The topic of music kicked off with a post about “Music Piracy.”  Plain and simple, piracy is theft and there is no excuse for stealing music, movies, or software.  “Music” took a look at the driving force of the music industry and the often used excuse, “I just like the beat.”  “Managing Music” provided some practical ideas for families to apply in music choices and consumption.

Most important thing to remember: Many children and adults listen to music for a good portion of the day.  Make sure that message is something we should be absorbing.

Internet – Weeks 10, 11, 12 & 13

The most serious of the posts in this series dealt with the internet.  “Internet Introduction” set the stage for the challenging material that would be covered.  It is my belief that “Internet Pornography” will destroy more Christian homes than drugs and alcohol combined.  “Cyberbullying 1” and “Cyberbullying 2” were well received with teens reading this series.

Most important thing to remember: The vast majority of parents did not grow up with the internet.  Carefully think about the access you allow your children to this powerful technology.

Final Thought

I appreciate everyone who has been encouraging me as I write this series of posts.   These posts were developed from material I used to give in a presentation I have delivered across the country.  Today I feel more strongly about this subject than I ever have since I am now raising my own children.  The most important thing to remember is that as the parent you are are the gatekeeper for your home.  Don’t like a TV show your kids are watching?  Turn it off.  Disturbed by a violent game they are playing? Get rid of it.  Have an internet pornography problem in your house? Do whatever it takes to cut it off.

Something Special

I plan to revisit this subject in January with some special guests.  I am in the process of interviewing some parents and their grown children about how they manage media in their lives.  I believe sharing personal experiences is a powerful tool for learning.  Hearing from those who have “been there and done that” can be a powerful encouragement to all of us.

I am also revamping the material from these posts as a downloadable study guide for Bible classes or families.  The study guide will also include a section on movies, which you might have noticed was missing from this series of posts.  Thank you again to everyone who has supported and encouraged this effort.  I also want to thank those who have opened up the door to productive discussion through their criticism of the ideals set forth in this series.

Family Worship Series

Our family worship series continues this week.  I have completed a study guide every week this year, except for three weeks when things were extremely busy or I was sick.  Thank you to all who have been using the family worship guides.  Week 47 – Elijah and Elisha