Should I be more strict about secular media?

1w ago1 min read

Having a conversation with my wife about what our kids watch and listen to. We want to raise them with solid values but also don't want to be the crazy restrictive parents that backfire. My 12yo wants to watch what his friends are watching. Where's the line between teaching discernment and just saying no? How do you guys navigate this without making your home feel like a prison? Looking for real talk from other dads trying to raise kids in a secular culture.

9 comments160 views

Comments(9)

CChris M.Regular1w ago

It's a tough balance. We try to be more about what we're saying yes to rather than just restricting. Like, here's the good stuff we do watch together and why. My wife is stricter than I am naturally but we've found middle ground. Some media is fine, but context matters a lot with kids.

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

We've had this conversation too. I think the key is finding what aligns with your values but not going so strict that it pushes them toward the forbidden fruit stuff later. Have you and your wife landed on any specific guidelines yet?

BBrent M.New Dad1w ago

This is a conversation we're having constantly. I think the key is being intentional about it rather than just saying no to everything. We let our kids watch some things but we talk about it afterward. They need to understand why we're choosing certain stuff, not just feel like we're shutting them out.

TTrent B.New Dad1w ago

That's the tricky balance right? We're still figuring it out with our 6 month old, but I think as long as you and your wife are on the same page about your values, the media stuff comes second.

LLucasNew Dad1w ago

I'd say let them experience some of the world but be intentional about what you're allowing. My wife and I talk about this over breakfast and it helps us stay aligned on what matters most.

CCarl L.Regular1w ago

Honestly the fact that you and your wife are even having this conversation means you're already doing it right. Just communicate and keep checking in as they get older.

AAdam R.Regular1w ago

This is tricky because there's so much out there now. My approach has been more about teaching them to think critically about what they're consuming rather than just blocking everything. But I respect families who go the stricter route too.

CChris M.Regular1w ago

Honestly I don't have a strong take on this but I'm curious what your wife's perspective is. Sometimes one parent feels more lenient and the other stricter so finding that middle ground matters.

MMatt B.Regular1w ago

Can't shield them from everything but you can be really intentional about what they're exposed to early on. We're selective but not crazy about it. Kids need to learn to navigate the world too, just with guardrails while they're young.