HopeForYourFamily

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 had my share of karaoke stardom, and enjoyed every bit of it.  But it doesn’t hold a candle to winning a preliminary round of the American Idol Experience, and getting to compete in the final evening round at Hollywood Studios at Disney World.  And I just know if I had one more crack at performing “Circle of Life” (from The Lion King), I would take top honors!  : ]

Well, we can’t win’em all, can we?  Still, it was an experience unlike any I’ve ever had, and I am grateful to all the folks who voted for me in both rounds, and to those who stopped me at various parks throughout the rest of the week to complement me.  Way Cool!!!

Tags: media, the journey

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 people through the powerful medium of public television.

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

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 that matter.

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 especially love the tip in this article about occasionally watching the TV with the sound turned off, to me more aware of what is being presented visually.  I would say the opposite might be an equally revealing and challenging exercise – listening to TV without watching the screen.

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.  If your child (teen or younger) is going to be using a cell-phone, please take the time to stay informed and educated about the technologies and culture of the wireless world.

Here is a great place to start.

This one may be helpful (if  overwhelming), as well.

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

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 way am I throwing stones at these girls/moms, or MTV, for that matter.  I just find it heart-breaking how prevalent this situation has become.  I am so grateful to folks like Luce and Clark, who are serving God with all their hearts at the cutting edge of adolescent turmoil.  Let’s all do our best to be part of the solution.  And we may do well to start by watching this series.

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

I hope to be back into a regular blogging rhythm again any day now. In the meantime, check out this New York Times article on the impact of texting on the lives and health of teens today.

Tags: adolescence, culture, media, teens, texting