Sunday, November 30, 2008

Parental Control Over Music Downloads Has To Improve

I don't know about you, but I am shocked at the video images and song lyrics that our children are exposed to with the click of a button. Like I said yesterday, my husband and I were so surprised by a song that a friend was sharing with our 11 year old daughter, that we outlawed rap in our home and on our children's future ipods (coming soon on December 25th).

I think that we parents are so busy with other things, especially in a household with 3 or more children, that our attention is easily diverted from what our kids are seeing and hearing on sights such as You Tube and My Space. If you are completely aware of everything that your children are seeing and hearing, ask yourself if it is appropriate for your child to hear and see at his or her age.

I thought policing TV and movie images was tough! The Worldwide Web is a force to be reckoned with. I know it is tough, but we have to take the time to do a better job of controlling the images and messages our children are being bombarded with on a daily basis. It is vital that we do. After all, if we don't control it, who will? Ask yourself, Do I want mass media controlling my kids?

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Survivors Are Poor Role Models

As a huge fan of Survivor, it pains me to see Corinne and Randy's despicable behavior every Thursday night. They act like a couple of spoiled, rotten brats. I have to say that Corinne's behavior is of most concern to me as a mom and as a human being. In this past week's episode, Corinne completely lost control spewing hatred for fellow survivor Sugar.

Corinne sounded just like a schoolyard bully to me. I say that because she went on and on about how she was superior to Sugar because of her college education and superior intellect. All I know is that as a human being, Sugar is miles above Corinne and Randy. I continue to use their bad behavior as lessons for my children on how NOT TO BEHAVE!

In my opinion, both Randy and Corinne could use a strong dose of HUMILITY. It will be administered over the next couple of weeks as they get voted off the island. Actually, Randy is already off. Thanks Goodness!

The Media Is In Control Of Our Kids

Every which way we parents look these days, big media seems to be in control of our kids. It is a scary time for parents and, though they have no clue, it is an even scarier time for America's youth. As I drive down the street, I see teens walking to and from school with earplugs deafening their ears all the while staring at a text they have just received on their cell phones. They are completely oblivious to what is going on around them. This is just plain dangerous and foolish.

Teens are going so far as to whip out their cell phones at parties and at the dinner table! We have to draw the line somewhere. I am not saying don't give your kids cell phones and ipods. My own children just got cell phones in the past year and Santa will finally be bringing the long awaited and coveted ipods this Christmas. (My oldest child is 13.) What I am advocating is laying some ground rules when handing over these insidious devices. And when they misbehave, these are the first casualties. Like Dr. Phil says, "You gotta speak in terms of their currency."

My husband and I have recently agreed that rap music will not be allowed in our house. We came to this conclusion about 2 hours ago when our youngest daughter's girlfriend introduced her, and me, to a website with music and video. The lyrics that caught our parental attention were: KKK, dying, killing,...

I quickly shut it down. I know it was a total buzz kill for my daughter, but TOO BAD! I seriously doubt that her girlfriend's conservative parents would approve of such messages! But then again, they most likely have no clue that their 11 year old is listening to such rubbish. The girl has an older sibling and is apparently exposed to things ahead of her psychological ability to comprehend them.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Mind Blowing

I never cease to be amazed. Three months ago, I signed up for a Parent Educator course at my kids' middle school. Finally, I was notified last week that my first five hour session was yesterday.

When I arrived, I was stunned to learn that the mom of one of my youngest child's bullies was in charge of the anti-bullying, anti-drug, and alcohol program! Granted the child bullied my daughter relentlessly back in 4th grade (roughly a year and a half ago), but still, to see her mom running the show just seemed outrageous to me. It just goes to show how clueless people are about their children's anti-social behavior.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Our Children Are Our Mark On The World

I was watching the end of a movie with my 13 year old yesterday. The father leaned over his sleeping son as he tucked him into bed. He lamented that he was so busy trying to make his mark on the world that he failed to see that his CHILD was his mark. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I had to make a quick exit to find a box of tissue. Powerful stuff.

Another High School Shooting - November 13, 2008

CNN just reported that there is a current (11:30 a.m. EST) and dangerous situation developing at Dillard High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida today. Police were seen examining and photographing a handgun on the trunk of a squad car in the middle of a Ft. Lauderdale street. Details are sketchy as the situation is still developing.

It was just reported that Dillard High School is in lockdown and that parents are not being allowed access and should stay away. One girl has reportedly been shot and critically injured and another girl is reported to have become sick upon eating her lunch. It was not clear if the two incidents were related or not.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

On Veterin's Day

I was watching a new broadcast this morning and was touched by 3 moms whose 3 sons had given their lives in service of our great country in Iraq. One mom said of her son's final moment, "You feel like you should have jumped across the ocean to hold him in his final moment." Powerful stuff. God Bless our troops and their families. We are eternally grateful for all they sacrifice for our beloved United States of America.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Bullies' Brains Enjoy Others' Pain

On Friday, one of the major networks reported on a study by the University of Chicago that concludes that bullies enjoy other's pain. According to the study, bully subjects brain scans showed they experienced pleasure while viewing people being bullied.

Great. Another out for the bullies. I can just see it now. The bullies'/criminals' defense will be, "It wasn't my fault. I have a cerebral defect." I do hope that researchers and news agencies will be responsible in reporting their findings.

I say this because the doctor being interviewed referred to the subjects in the study as being teens with "Conduct Disorder", while the reporter continually referred to the study subjects as "bullies". The individuals studied were described as clearly more aggressive in nature than your average "run of the mill" bully. Once again, the nature of bullying seems to be played down. We all need to be crystal clear on the definition of bullying:

BULLYING = VIOLENCE
BULLYING = AGGRESSION
BULLYING IS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR!
BULLYING IS UNACCEPTABLE!

Inexcusable Behavior from Survivor Corine

I was watching Survivor last night with my 13 year old daughter. It has become a weekly ritual for us. I was shocked to hear Corine, angry at Suzy's honest comments, declare on national television, "I am a very vindictive person and I will get my revenge!"

I quickly looked at my daughter and let her know that Corine's behavior was not only unchristian, but completely unacceptable. It bothers me that grown ups have so little self-control these days especially on the reality programs that are aimed at our children. I often find myself using their bad behavior to teach my children how NOT to behave.