So this afternoon I was taking a break from jam-making and kid-tending and nose-wiping, and I decided to read some reviews on some of the current movies and music. I checked out FOTF's "plugged in". As I came across the Miley Cyrus' newest album cover, I was pretty shocked at what the "innocent" pop star has become.
Now, my girls like to think they are Miley Cyrus fans, just because their friends at school are. They haven't even heard much of her music, but Hannah Montana was so popular a few months ago that they got sucked into the rage, to a certain extent. We have never allowed them to spend their money (or ours!) on paraphernalia that is a fad, but the odd thing here or there from Value Village was allowed into our house.
So back to the album cover. I called the girls over to see it, and I was watching their faces - very curious to see how they'd react. Take a look at it here. Both of their faces just fell. Their mouths dropped open, and I heard "That is horrible" and "I will never play another Hannah Montana computer game again" and "I can't believe she would stand with her hand like that".
They were appalled.
And I was happy.
I thought that maybe I'd have to talk about it and that maybe one of my girls (won't say who!) would try and justify it and beg to buy it (I don't put much past her these days). But no, their reaction was a mother's reward :-)
Of course it opened up a very teachable moment about who our role models are and the people that we trust and don't trust.
I haven't used this website very much, but it's so nice to have someone who looks into this stuff for you. (The girls have also been hearing about Lady Gaga, who I knew nothing about, and after reading it I was shocked that kids in 1st and 3rd grade are listening to this garbage).
Anyway, then we proceeded to McDonald's since the girls had been given gift cards there for part of their awards they received. (As I'm sitting there watching the families come and go, I'm finding myself hoping that they are all like us: rare patrons, just coming in for a last-day-of-school treat.)
Then we saw a family (parents and 2 boys) come in, both of the boys with their own iPod touch.
Wow. Just when I thought we had enough discussion for one day. I have nothing against my kids having gadgets, but really, do they need $200 a piece?
So, the question on my mind today is this:
How do you keep your kids in the world but not of the world?
Really, I want your responses.
I want my kids to know what's out there, to not be naive about the things their friends are into. I want them to be up-to-date with the world, but not caught up in every trend that comes along.
Give me feedback!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Great question too. I used to look at "geeky" kids and think, wow those kids are so sheltered! I don't think it's good to shelter your kids from everything, but at the same time I think it's important to remember that they are children and very impressionable. What goes in does come out. This is getting way too long. I think communication is key. I think what you did is great. And prayer!! My kids aren't very old yet so I'd like to hear other comments. :)
Did you watch that video I posted on FB a while back about the sexualization of young girls? I'll find the link and send it to you if you didn't.
I think it is great that you called them over to see it and got their reaction. This kind of thing opens up a great teaching opportunity, as you said. I think it's important to talk to kids about these things.
There are a lot of thoughts whirling through my head on this right now, but I'll organize them a bit before I spew them out in your comments. I'll be back.
well, maybe i'll raise my kids in mada. ha. but i agree that it takes much wisdom and prayer to find the right balance of sheltering our kids and teaching them to face the world and its ways. i am becoming more and more convinced that we must not lock our kids up at home, but yet we must be super careful that we are making sure to have enough time with them to pass on the things we care about. (reason #1 that i like homeschooling, but that's another topic. :) )
i think it sounds like you're doing a good job.
When our boys are asking for "things", (because so and so has it) we are quick to remind them that we do things that we feel are right for our family and that other people do things that they feel are right for them. We don't do something or get something "just because". Great blogging. Keep it up, Robyn!
Thanks for sharing. Good question!
I am finding as my kids get older they want more stuff and they want it because there friends have it and it is the cool thing to have or wear. Often I would say to them that we aren't going to be buy it because it costs too much money. They know that this time of our lives we aren't spending more money then we have too and they are so used to hearing this.
Lately, I have been realizing that I so easily use that as an excuse. I don't take the time to sit down with them and tell them the reasons and use it as a teaching time.
The other day I took the time and explained it to one of my children and it was received so much better then just saying we don't have the money.
I loved to see the way that you took the time to talk to your girls and show them the picture of Miley Cirus. You used it as a teachable moment :) You are doing a great job!
This is getting long, but I think it becomes really hard when their friends from church or other Christan friends parents don't view things the same as what we do. This has been a little tricky for us. Modesty being a big issue.
It is so much easier for my daugthers to understand when they see non Christians doing or wearing something then it is their own church friends.
Parenting isn't always easy!
Erica is still a Hannah Montana fan, she watches the show, and I am okay with that. But i caught a Miley Cyrus concert on tv the other day, and i was shocked too. What happened to her? No more Miley in my house!
As far as gadgets..and those kids you saw in mcdonalds...don't jump to conclustions too quick. My boys each have an i-pod, not a touch, but they earned their own money and saved up enough to buy their own. It was quite a proud day for them ... and a great learning experience on how to save money. Maybe those boys in mcdonalds did the same.. or maybe they are spoiled rotten..who knows.
I am glad your girls had that kind of reaction when they saw the pic of Miley...you must be doing a good job in teaching modesty!!!
I know how easy it is to get sucked into the worlds ways. We battle with this ever day in our house. Our biggest battle right now is video games. What the boys are and aren't allowed to play. It drives me crazy and i get no support from the rest of the world.
Thank God for prayer...it's all we have really.
Jenn
You're right, Jenn. I shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing the full story. I just get frustrated... and you're right - it's an ongoing battle and we have to support eachother and measure everything up to the Bible, even when it's not clear. Good job for your kids for saving that much money! That's impressive!
Wow, Robyn. It made me so happy to hear how well you've raised your girls that they would be appalled by the Miley Cyrus CD cover. It's so easy to miss that stuff. I really respect how actively you think about kids and culture and I hope I can do the same with my own kids someday!
P.S. We miss you guys! It seems like forever since I lived in your basement!
Post a Comment