INFLUENCES

For most of us, keeping up with the popular culture is one of the first things we let go. The problem is that sometimes this lack of attention to the music that both shapes and reflects our children makes us miss important developments in their world, and by extension, our own

—Pearl Cleage

Let’s keep in touch with the television and radio stations that play such an important part in shaping our child’s world. We can listen to the groups and ask, What are the lyrics saying? Do they glorify violence? Demean women? While we may hate the idea of becoming the old-fashioned parent, it is important for us to keep our finger on the pulse of our child’s entertainment, which is to keep our finger on values being pumped into him.

Call to Action: On this day, I will take five minutes to discuss with my child his favorite entertainer. It needn’t be a confrontational talk, just a friendly chat so that I’m aware of my child’s influences and his opinion of those influences.