Setting the Standard

Question: How do you set standards with video games & media in the home?

Answer: The first step in setting standards is taking an active role in your children's entertainment. Yes, that means you will need to watch what they watch no matter how silly the show may seem. Never assume that because it's on a children or family-friendly network that it is teaching your child morally sound lessons. While it important to look at the parental guidance ratings, just because it is G or PG-rated does not mean the show is appropriate for your child or your family. Do not take television or media for granted. The internet, TV, Movies, magazines, and books may all be beneficial and used as tools of learning, or they may be tools of destruction. As the parent, you are the authority in your home and you are accountable to God for your family's well-being. So be involved and monitor what your children watch, listen to, read, and seek out on the internet. Don't forget that you have an enemy, alive and active, seeking for someone devour. (1 Peter 5:8)  Make sure your entertainment isn't the doorway for him to get into your home.

The second step is to know your children. One child may be naturally more mature than another. One may be more grounded or can rationalize, process, and discern better than another. There are appropriate and inappropriate shows for each child. Make sure that whatever they watch is appropriate for their age, maturity, and education. Whether it is a positive influence or a negative influence, entertainment and media will shape and mold your children in some way, so it's up to you to identify these influences in their lives. After all, it is your role to safe-guard your child. After you've monitored your child's entertainment, ask yourself is this too complicated for my child to understand?  Is my child mature enough to be able to learn from this? Can my child point out what is morally right and morally wrong about this show/movie/music/etc.? Also, remind them that entertainment is a privilege, not a requirement. Teach them how to balance work, family, and downtime. Too often, we make entertainment an idol in our lives. So take the time, to turn off the TV and media once a week and spend time with your family. Afterwards, you may that you know your child better and can discern their entertainment choices better. 

The final and most important step is, as a parent, don't forget that you set the example. Your kids are more likely to choose wisely and be discerning if you also choose wisely and be discerning. Remember that both parents are a team, so set the standard together. Then, be consistent in following them so there's no confusion in your home. Do not let worldly influences or even other families' standards be your guide. Instead, use the Bible. While the Bible may not say, "watch this, but not that." It does say in Proverbs 4:23, to "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." You need to ask yourself are you putting a guard on your hearts and minds and protecting yourself. The Bible also says to think on true, noble, pure, and admirable things. (Philippians 4:8) Does your entertainment reflect these esteemed and desirable qualities? Even Jesus said in Matthew 22:37 that the most important commandments is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Is what you're putting into your heart and soul and mind equivalent to loving God? If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask God for guidance, Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart...Lead me in the way everlasting."

Take a moment and prayerfully seek God and His Word about what's appropriate for your family. He will give you your answers as you set your home's standards. Make the decision for what is best for you and your family, and following His guiding and not the influence of other families, what is popular, or what is socially acceptable. If you follow these steps, you can be assured that whatever standard you set will be pleasing to God.