HopeForYourFamily

This is the picture that was taped to our TV set all day yesterday.  “How did it get there?” you may ask.  Here’s the story…
Just before bedtime on Wednesday evening, my six-year-old son lied to my wife and me about something.  It was one of those easily detected, bold-faced, I don’t even see the reason [...]

Tags: family, leadership, media, parenting, spiritual formation, teaching

The American Idol Experience is WAY better than karaoke!
Unfortunately, Disney has a total stranglehold on pictures of this experience, so this snapshot will have to suffice.

If you know me well at all, you know I love the chance to get up in the spotlight with a microphone – especially if there is singing involved.  I’ve [...]

Tags: media, the journey

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9FbZaxa6Jc[/youtube]
Thanks to the terrific folks at Sesame Workshop for once again sharing real life encouragement and wisdom in a way that makes good sense to our kids, and to all of us.  And thanks to my wonderful step-mother-in-law, Judy Weaver, for sharing this video with me and for doing so much to encourage so many [...]

Tags: culture, HOPE, media, parenting, personal responsibility, the journey

Thanks to Walt Mueller and CPYU for providing the link to this very helpful parental control application for your teen’s iPhone.
This just in (Sept 15): Safe Eyes Mobile is also available as an excellent protection software for iPhones.

Tags: adolescence, media, parenting, personal responsibility, social networking, teens, texting

Here is the link to my Parenting 101 interview with Matt Williams regarding leading your kids toward character goals this year.

Tags: character, coming soon..., media, movies, parenting

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGE8LzRaySk[/youtube]
This is a very compelling public service announcement from the UK.  Yes, our teens need to see it.  But I do, too.  I have convinced my self at times that I am competent enough to do a bit of light texting while driving.  It’s time to stop.  I don’t want to TMSTD.
Text
My
Self
To
Death!
Or anyone else, for [...]

Tags: adolescence, culture, media, personal responsibility, teens, texting

Here is a link to the first in a five-article series from Focus on the Family regarding how to deal with kids who have been viewing porn.  The articles are brief, but share some helpful perspectives.  I will undoubtedly be sharing some of my own recommendations in this regard in the near future.

Tags: adolescence, culture, media, parenting, sex, teens

Thanks to David Dixon of Smart Parenting (via Twitter) for bringing this short, very practical article to my attention.  I have long encouraged parents to be very pro-active in engaging television and other electronic entertainment with their children.  In fact, this was the topic of my doctoral dissertation – long ago and far away.  I [...]

Tags: adolescence, media, parenting, teens, twitter

Parents, if your child has a cell-phone, or if you are thinking of allowing your child to have a cell-phone – you really need to be aware of the power of this electronic portal.  You may think, “But, it’s just a cell-phone.  What’s the big deal?”  Let me assure you, it is a big deal.  [...]

Tags: adolescence, culture, media, parenting, teens, texting

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLiXS02Mj7U[/youtube]
Okay folks, here is a serious slice of American adolescence today.  I haven’t seen the show yet, but guess what new series is running on MTV now?
“16 and Pregnant”
If you find this troubling in any way, I recommend reading the books by Ron Luce and Chap Clark posthaste, and practicing what they preach.  In no [...]

Tags: adolescence, culture, media, parenting, sex, teens