What Messages From Videos & Music Are Your Children Receiving?
This is one of the most crucial questions parents must constantly answer. Evaluating the “takeaway” is not difficult. We can literally see our children mimic the verbiage, attitudes, and perceptions of the media input WE CHOOSE to expose them to. There is no doubt they internalize the messages, obvious or subtle.
I’ll never forget talking to our then 3 year old granddaughter, Juju (yes, we have LOTS of stories with this little “live wire”!). I think I was reminding her about about staying nice even when others are not friendly… and she quickly jumped in, “I know, Zaza! Be nice, stay nice, stay sweet, YADDA, YADDA, YADDA!!!” My husband looked at me… and I looked at him… we burst out laughing! I think she was agreeing with me, and thought this was confirming her vast knowledge on the subject. But, it was a crazy reminder that the little ones are definitely learning much of their verbiage from the media they are watching (And yes, we explained “YADDA YADDA YADDA “ was not a respectful way to describe Zaza’s advice! lol)!
If it is true a child’s personality is formed by 5 years of age, we must guide their values and choices, and certainly word choices, as early as 2 years old or younger! The allowing of fits, disrespect, disobedience, and selfishness without creating an alternative is common in our society. Media plays a significant role in this reality.
By patiently and consistently teaching, implementing, and rewarding good choices we can “create an appetite” in our children to do the “right thing”. Children have more security, self-respect, and self confidence when parameters are lovingly and firmly reinforced in the home.
The bottom line is children can understand the difference between mean and nice, other-centeredness and selfishness, telling the truth and lying, and right and wrong.
But if these issues are not verbalized and taught in the home, they will most likely default to become self-centered and disrespectful or insecure and oblivious to a better way.
The challenge is very real: the messages and values they are receiving through the media are dangerously opposite to the values many of us are teaching our children.
It’s OUR choice, parents! We choose the CD’s, DVD's, music downloaded, and channels our children are listening to and watching.
MAY WE CHOOSE A DESTINY OF PEACE, PURPOSE, AND FULFILLMENT FOR OUR FAMILIES! MAY WE MONITOR OUR MEDIA CHOICES THAT SOON BECOME OUR CHILDREN’S CHOICES IN THE FUTURE!
The good news is today we have more safe and good alternatives than we have had in the past. The bad news is there seems to be unprecedented unacceptable programs /music available that we must reject.
May we always encourage one another to 1) Stay informed, 2) Set parameters and 3) Plan ahead! GIVE YOUR KIDS QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT & INFLUENCES!! #happychoiceshappyhomes
It’s my choice! And it’s your choice! May God help us all.❤️
Never Give Up!
DeAnza Duron