Pastor Al Paulauski, From Your Pal Pastor Al

Pastor Al Paulauski

From Your Pal April 2008

Being a "Media-Wise" Parent

These days, our kids are being bombarded by messages from a variety of media sources: television, movies, radio, magazines, internet - and let's not forget the entire entertainment industry. It's no secret that the media's messages that our kids listen to, watch, and read have a powerful influence on their lives. Parents often avoid addressing the issue of media and kids because we don't know what to do. But, we need to role up our sleeves, and get to work helping our kids make right and wise decisions about media. There are things you can do to improve the media health of your family. You can keep your kids safe by becoming and staying media-wise. Just recently I read an article on this issue and I want to share with you some tips for handling some of the common forms of media your kids are interacting with.

Taming the Tube
The TV is not a baby-sitter. If we are extremely careful about choosing a baby-sitter and day care for our children, why aren't we as careful about choosing the programs our kids watch on TV? First, know what shows your kids are watching on TV. As a rule, most programs will either work to reinforce your values or oppose your values. Second, don't put a TV in your child's bedroom. You won't be able to monitor the content - and your kids may be drawn to their rooms at the expense of family interaction. Third, talk with your kids about TV shows. All television is educational. Watch TV together with your kids and then debrief the themes and content afterward.

Internet
The Internet will have more influence on your family quite possibly than the television had on your parents' homes. Your children are growing up with one of the most incredible tools ever invented. Your kids will use it as a way of life. Whether you are Web savvy today doesn't matter, but by tomorrow you had better be on your way to becoming an expert. The Web is wonderful, but the Web is dangerous. So learn all you can about the Web and make it your friend. Here are a few things you can do. First, consider a quality Web filter for children and young teens. Second, keep the computer with online access out of your child's room. Third, keep the computer with online access in a "public" part of your home.

Music
Don't buy the story that your kids don't listen to the words. Music and musicians have a great deal of influence on our culture. Listen to what they listen to! Because of the powerful influence of music, we have a God-given responsibility to review and, yes, even approve what words our children listen to in our home. Maybe you need to develop a policy that you would listen to all CDs brought into the house. Sure it will take a great deal of time but it's good to learn what your kids are listening to.

Magazines
Don't think that just because magazines may be targeted at your child's age, that all of the content inside will be age-appropriate. Magazine publishers often push the limit content-wise in order to attract and keep their target audiences coming back for more. The wise parent will read what their kids are reading. You'll gain a much better understanding of the issues your kids are facing and who is influencing them. Help equip your kids to make wise choices about the magazines they read.
Most parents want to help their kids develop healthy morals and values. Still, most parents are frightened by the amount of negative distractions and temptations our kids are being exposed to by various forms of media. You won't be able to protect your kids from every negative form of media. So, instead, prepare them to be able to discern and make wise decisions about the media messages they receive. With proactive parenting in addressing media issues - including proper education, good examples and a positive faith - your kids can make it through the maze of negative media influences and develop positive morals and values.

April Highlights

Parent's Sunday School Class
Starting Sunday, April 6, we will be starting the second half of our study on "Understanding Youth Culture." It will take place during the Sunday School Hour downstairs in the bullpen area. We will be looking at such areas as Media (How it's shaping our teenagers), The Pull of Peer-Pressure, Understanding our Sexualized Culture, and much more. Any parent of a teenager, pre-teen, or child, is more than welcome to attend. You didn't need to attend the first half of the class (on MySpace) to attend the second half.

Training Dates for Students Going on the Mission's Trip:
Saturday April 5th from 2-6 pm.
Sunday April 13th from 12-4 pm
Saturday May 3rd from 2-6 pm
Saturday May 24th from 2-6 pm
Fri-Sat. Jun. 20th - 21st

Fine Arts Practice Dates Before State Competition:
Sunday, April 6th from 12-5 pm (Large group & small groups)

Sunday, April 13th from 4-5:30 (Short sermon)

Sunday, April 20th from 12-5 pm (Large group & small groups)

Sunday, May 4th from 12-5 pm (Large group and small groups)

Sunday, May 11th from 3-4:30 (Short sermon)

Friday-Saturday
May 16th-17th
State competition