728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
Get Pregnancy Information
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Parenting Strategies › Managing the Media

Managing the Media

Limiting Exposure to Adult Issues in Preteen Lives

By Teri Brown

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Watch Your Mouth
Sonna says that while discussions of curse words and obscenities can be uncomfortable, their peers may use them a lot. Remaining silent on the subject doesn't protect your child. It's also important to remember that the words that shock and offend adults may not have the same impact on peers. "Telling your child, 'Don't say that word it's bad,' won't carry much weight if respected peers curse and use four-letter words," she says. "Your child needs to understand what the word means to you so she understands why you object."

Sonna says that one good way to teach youngsters to "watch their words" is to forbid bad language at home and charge for each slip-up. "This method works better than the 'do as I say not as I do' approach," she says. "It keeps everyone on their toes. Most parents end up having to pay an occasional fine, and many are surprised to find they haven't been great role models. Making a joint effort to clean up everyone's language emphasizes the importance of doing so without adopting a grim, negative approach."

Watch What You Watch
While many conscientious parents try to protect their children from undesirable movies, television is often just as bad. Many TV shows contain as much sex and violence as some movies. Controlling what your child watches at home on the television is just as important as being an informed movie goer, but also remember that you can't always control everything your child sees.

"If your child sees an undesirable film at a friend's house, rent it and view it together at home," says Sonna. "That way, you can discuss the content and attempt to combat some of the negative messages your child may have absorbed. hare your concerns about how the sex, violence and bad language may affect viewers' attitudes. You can't control your child's thoughts and feelings, so rather than preaching and lecturing, which can alienate your child, share your opinion and listen respectfully to hers. Embrace the goal of encouraging your child to think critically about the subtle messages."

Pages:  1  2  3  4  


Want to see more?