Being the Christian parent of an adolescent in today's society is very difficult. Perhaps the only thing harder than actually being a teen is the strive to raise them to be moral and respectable adults.
A definite war is in progress for control of the thoughts and beliefs of today's young people. There are numerous fronts on which to fight. To name just a few: clothing, music, television, and movies are just the tip of the iceberg.
Movies are the worst offenders. Very few movies currently produced have a rating other than "R" for restricted. Movies that could have some merit are littered with profanity and sexually explicit scenes to raise the rating up to “R”. Movies with a "R" rating are easily accessible to teenagers because of the proliferation of DVDs, cable channels, or satellite television. Older teens can see these films at the movie theater, all they have to do is pay for their ticket and walk on in.
Look carefully at movies with PG-13 ratings which are targeted specifically at teen audiences. Such supernatural and scary subject as ghosts, witches, or demons compel teenagers to look for stuff that will scare. It's too bad that they don't realize that those horrible scenes stay in their minds for a long time after the movie is over.
The Harry Potter book series has also spawned many other products, such as movies, games, clothing, and more. Are you one of the parents who let their children read the Harry Potter series? Believe it or not, some adults thought, "Well at least they're reading." Could they be serious?! Are you aware of what the Bible states concerning witchcraft? It is written in Exodus 22:18 NIV, "Do not allow a sorceress to live." Sounds pretty serious, doesn't it?
A similarly significant problem is television. Hamburger commercials even portray the concept of the already rampant casual sex act. The occult is made to appear powerful and amusing. Today, television features programs showing people who consider themselves Mediums and Ghost Whisperers with an ability to speak to the dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…."
What can a parent do? Analyzing what's right and wrong about what they're watching and discussing it with them, is essential to guiding your teen in the right way. Parents can also block shows with specific ratings from being viewed, simply by utilizing controls built into most newer televisions.
Good, God centered friends, like those found in church groups, allow your teens friends to put positive pressure on them in a structured environment. So be persuasive when they consider attending Christian youth groups.
Music is another battlefield, with much of secular music pushing sex, violence, drugs and even suicide as part of the lyrics. Many Christian-themed bands today play their music in a modern style that appeals to young adults. Try to make your teen choose that path. Check over the music your teen listens to, and make sure to give their iPods a good look as well.
Instead of looking like they're going to school, current fashions make young girls look like they're "working it" instead. It is hard to locate apparel that is modest. If your teenager requires clothing that carries a message, ensure that the message proclaimed is one of life. Shopping locally, and locating fashionable clothing with a meaningful Christian message that will be liked by your teenager, may prove difficult. If you browse the Internet for Christian clothing stores, you will be pleased to see the numerous affordable options available.
Good luck and make sure to pray hard, and stay involved in your teen's lives. These years are numbered, and you both can survive them.
