Pastor Al Paulauski, From Your Pal Pastor Al

Pastor Al Paulauski

From Your Pal March 2006

"Taming the Tube"

     Is there any other issue that causes more of a battle with our children than the T.V? Don't get me wrong, I love T.V. Probably more than I should. But how else can I get my fix of ESPN, the NFL playoffs, and my beloved Chicago Cubs? Unfortunately everything on the tube is not what it's cracked up to be.
     Media is no longer neutral in our lives. It has slowly invaded almost every aspect of our world. In fact, American children spend more time watching TV than doing any other activity during their waking lives. The retention level for TV is 25% (5-10% for a speech). This means that much of what our children put into the minds via TV and movies is stored in the computer of their brain.
      We as parents must take a proactive approach to monitoring what enters our child's life via media. And we can do it. In our world today we have books, periodicals, and the Web to help us learn more about the latest media influence. Jim Burns, in his book 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family lists seven different things you can do to help "Tame the Tube."
     1. Don't use the TV as a baby-sitter: Most parents are extremely careful about choosing a babysitter and a day care for their children. Why are we not as careful about choosing the programs our children watch on TV?
     2. Know what shows your kids are watching: It is vitally important to know the content of every program your child watches. Ask the question, Is this content in line with our moral guidelines? If TV is not working to enhance your values, it may just be working to oppose your values - and charging you a lot for it.
     3. Don't put a TV in your child's bedroom: A TV in your child's bedroom is a huge mistake. You won't be able to monitor the content, and your kids will be drawn to their rooms at the expense of family interaction. A TV in the bedroom is a far too attractive temptation that easily interrupts such important matters as sleep, schoolwork, reading, and interaction with others.
     4. Set limits on TV time: What are your guidelines, rules, and expectations for TV viewing? Can your children watch TV before school? How about before homework is finished? How many hours a day can the TV be on. Setting limits may be a challenge to your whole family, but when the limits are followed consistently, the results make them worth it.
     5. Make an appointment with the TV: It's a good idea to be proactive about your TV use and misuse. Many healthy families pull out the TV guide on a weekly basis and make TV appointments for the week. This monitors what shows your family is watching and how often, and it can make watching a TV program a family activity.
     6. Dialogue with your children about TV shows: All television is educational. The question is, What does it teach? After you watch a show or a movie together debrief the themes and content of the show. What a great learning experience.
     7. Make the VCR your friend: If you can't watch the few good shows on TV because of your family's schedule, then tape them and watch them as a family - the VCR can be your friend.

March Highlights

1. For Girls Only Fri-Sat March 3rd-4th. Any girls in Jr. High or Sr. High are welcomed to join us for this annual event. We will be going out for dinner, going swimming (indoor), out on the town and then heading back to Lana's home for an all night sleepover with food and a "Chick Flick." If you're interested the cost is $15 per girl plus money for dinner on Friday night. See Lana to sign up or to get more info.

2. Fine Arts Festival Fri-Sat March 17th-18th in Northville. Just a reminder we will be leaving the church Friday @ 4 p.m. Bring money for dinner on Friday plus money for 2-3 more meals. Breakfast on Saturday is included in the registration money. Please make sure all permission slips, medical release forms, and rules forms are turned in A.S.A.P.

3. 2nd Annual Parents Appreciation Dinner Saturday March 25th @ 5 p.m. Following the great time we had last year at our Parents Appreciation Dinner we have decided to do it again. If you're a parent of a Jr. High or Sr. High student you are welcomed to come. You should be receiving an invitation from us in the mail in the coming weeks. If you would like more information on this please see Sharon DeGrandchamp or Pastor Al.

4. Power of Sex Wednesday's March 8th-April 12th @ 7 p.m. This series in 876 Student Ministries will tackle the difficult and often misrepresented topic of sex. We will explore how the choices we make now as students will shape our entire lives. While this series does address the consequences of bad decisions, it also is focused around encouraging and teaching students to make the right decisions. During these six weeks we will communicate these truths through drama, video, discussion, and more. If you should have any questions about what's being covered please see Pastor Al. Here are the topics that will be discussed.

Week #1: Distinguishing Truth From Lies
Week #2: What a Girl Wants
Week #3: Who a Guy Is
Week #4: The Word on Sex
Week #5: How Far is Too Far?
Week #6: I've Messed Up…Now What?