1. Their friends. Peer pressure is a powerful thing and our children will become who they hang with. Be wise to what the friends of your children do and who they are and know their parents. Never assume that your child doesn't need your help or guidance. Communicate with them and let them know you love them.
2. Their education. The worldview of your child's teacher can sometimes become their worldview. Make sure you know your child's teachers and have discussions with your children about school and the things they discuss in class.
3. Their music. Teach them to discern the messages in music and to understand that the messages can be bought in to subliminally. Help guide them into music that has a better message with the same type styles that they like.
4. Movies/ TV. These are considered today's top influences in culture. They are increasingly influential in how our children thinks and interpret reality. Make sure you know what they are watching and sit down and watch a show or two with them.
5. Internet. Pornography, pedophiles in chat rooms and numerous sites including social networks are more accessible to this generation than to any previous generation. Make sure you monitor what sites they are on, have their passwords and understand that they are always a few steps ahead of us in dealing with technology.
6. Video games. Make sure you know what type of video games are being played and also monitor how much time they are playing them. Today our children can go online and play video games and communicate in real time with many people who do not have the same values as you, make sure to monitor this.
You can expect each of these to be a battle ground when dealing with your children. But it is highly important that we protect our children until they are adults and even longer if need be. Being a parent isn't a part time job, an easy job, or one in which frustration allows you to give up. The decisions you make now for your children will not just affect them, but their children and possibly further. Stay strong and fight for your children.
