Watching the News

Each Thursday, I will do my best to answer your questions. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I know it's not easy being a wife and mother. It can be frustrating and discouraging, yet very rewarding. I'd be glad to listen to you, pray for you, and share some of my thoughts with you.

So, ask me something... anything...





Dear Vonnie,

We have an upper elementary age child who is interested in the news. Are there boundaries we should set? We discuss what we see and hear and have great dialogue but the news shows so much and their own non Christian viewpoint.

Signed,
Worried



Watching the news together could be a good thing. Only you know whether it is causing your son to be worried or frightened. Find a station that also include shows of encouraging news (local heroes, community projects, etc.) Hearing about the government and other countries is a good way to teach them about the world. Have maps handy to locate other places. Let them hear your values and opinions.

Growing up, my father chose not to have a television in our home. I have mixed thoughts about it. We read more books and talked and played board games. We did listen to the radio occasionally, but we didn't even subscribe to a newspaper. The only current events I got came from my teachers at school. At times, someone felt sorry for us and gave us a TV, but my father would be disgusted at what he saw and got rid of it. I do remember watching the moon landing on a little black and white televsion. When I got married, I couldn't get enough of TV. I wanted to watch everything.

I think children need to be taught how to discern good from bad things on TV and the computer. They should not have them in their bedrooms, where you don't know what their watching. Choose educational channels that are usually safe - history, animals, documentaries, science, etc. Even then, be aware what is being taught and talk about it. Limit the shows and the time spent in front of a TV. Turn it off when the show is done.

You know your children and what is appropriate for them. Use the television as a teaching tool. Remember to be a good example to your children by limiting what you watch on TV, too. What you do speaks louder than what you say. What goes in our minds eventually affects how we think.

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things."