Entertainment Overload

My wife heard Dr. Archibald Hart on the radio yesterday and told me she thinks he is spot-on about the need to guard ourselves - and our kids -  from information and entertainment overload. Pretty solid advice from someone with a lot of wisdom.

We’ve tried to limit the amount of media our kids consume, for instance. Our computer is in the living room, and the younger kids have to have an adult around and permission to go online, and event then, only to a few approved sites. We’d rather they play outside, read or have some game-time, really. And we don’t watch TV, except for an occasional educational show (or a Jane Austen show from PBS). We watch movies/DVDs, but only average one or two a week.

So Dr. Hart’s suggestion that entertainment and excitement are habit-forming and need to be carefully managed got a loud and clear, “Amen!” from Dena.

One quote from the show:

I’m a gadget person, but I discipline myself. I will not touch a keyboard after eight o’clock in the evening because if I do, I know I’m not going to get to sleep [on] time … I have a cell phone, but only one person knows the number, and that’s my wife, and it’s [only] for emergencies. Very few people have my e-mail address.

BTW, here’s an article by Dr. Hart about the “excitement addiction.” It is a real condition, and one which may be affecting someone you know.

Dr. Dobson in the News

The special issues broadcast which aired the past two days has generated some national news media attention. Maybe you’ve seen the coverage on ABC TV, read it in the blogging world or heard it on the radio. You can still listen in here.

UPDATE: Readers, thanks for the many comments. I did not anticipate the significant response we’d get when I linked to Dr.  Dobson’s recorded comments from last Tuesday!  As indicated in the past, this is not an open-forum, and we reserve the right to edit comments. I’ll not be posting all feedback, but with those that have been published have tried to show a fair representation of remarks we received.

BTW, the intent of this blog is not to highlight public policy or election issues, but to add a personal touch to my on-air work, let readers see a bit of Focus from a behind-the-scenes perspective, and to bring practical marriage and parenting advice.  It is my hope you’ll come back from time to time and find the posts helpful - and hopefully a bit entertaining, too.

Thanks again for reading - and commenting.

* This blog entry has been paid for by Focus on the Family Action, Inc.

Feedback Wanted: Got Barbie?

Our three daughters play with dolls. We’ve never had Barbie dolls, though. And for good reason - what little girl can measure up (literally!) to the bronze babe with such an exaggerated figure? Better to have toys that are more…appropriately proportioned, I think.

Here’s one commentary on the doll and her effect on society.

What do you think? Is this on the mark? Or is the writer off base here?

Groovy, Man

Take a trip back to the enlightened “Age of Aquarius.” Those turbulent 60s were hard for a lot of folks, but God intervened in some dramatic ways in the lives of at least four folks - our guests for this two-day flashback series.

Tidbit: Back in ‘93 when this was recorded I was the show’s producer. It was pretty fun to work with our guests. Today two of them are still here at Focus. That’s longevity!

Winning Hearts — For MTV

The execs at cable television are pretty smart. They are aiming for your child’s present media habits and future interests. Take this news item, for instance:

Jose Carbonell has been named vice president of pre-school parenting brand marketing for the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. Carbonell will be charged with coordinating cross-business marketing programs, on-air events and consumer and trade advertising efforts for Nickelodeon and Noggin pre-school properties, including “Dora the Explorer” and “The Backyardigans Live Tale of the Mighty Knights” stage tour.

Now, “Nick” is owned by the same folks who have channels like Spike, VH1 and Comedy Channel. And…MTV.

mtv.jpgIn case you aren’t seeing it, these folks are grooming kids for their networks — by marketing related brands and TV properties to PRESCHOOL ages. Mighty good planning to ensure they’ve cultivated future viewers. In 10 years, that preschool child is a teen, ready and willing to watch what is arguably one of the most influential teen entities, MTV. They’re already used to the network’s logo and co-branded programming, so this is some really smart marketing. I’m not saying it is good, just makes some good business sense.

So…are you letting these networks have your kid? How are you guarding your children from the influence of good marketers who want their eyes and ears? You don’t allow your kids to have a TV in their room, do you?

Just asking.

Involved Dad…Because of Mom

If you are a Dad, how much do you interact with your child?

 Here’s an interesting bit of research, about fathers and the level of their involvement with their children. Evidently Dads take their cues from Mom.     

       

Scientists from Ohio State University and the University of Illinois, who studied 97 couples, said mothers are play an important role in determining how active a role the father plays.The researchers found that fathers were more involved in caring for their babies on a day-to-day basis when they received active encouragement from their wife or partner.       

Full article here.

Sounds Good, But…

…anti-discrimination laws often have unintended - or unanticipated - consequences. Here’s what you need to know about threats to your religious liberties. Here’s where you can listen for more details.

A Jackhammer To The Process

jackhammer-pic.jpg


“The California Supreme Court has taken a jackhammer to the democratic process … Four judges discarded the votes of 4,618,673 Californians who approved the state’s ‘Defense of Marriage Act.’ ”

That’s Tony Perkins, who is one of the guests on today’s important conversation hosted by Dr. Dobson. Listen to learn why should you care about the lunacy in that Californian court.

Expelled - More Insights

Dr. Del Tackett has some great perspectives on the recent movie featuring Ben Stein. Read his blog here.

Orphan Care Summit IV

In the pic: Zane and Graham. Both cousins were adopted, and despite some differences, they’re pretty similar in many ways. They surely do get along well - can you tell?

About 10 days ago there were 550 folks - from around the globe - in Fort Lauderdale for a three day conference. The reason they gathered: to see how to work together more effectively in serving the 143 million kids who are fatherless.

As an adoptive dad, I’ve learned a lot about the tremendous needs of orphans - and the many, many good things being done for children who are desparate for a family, for love. The folks who came to Florida are motivated and engaged to impact the lives of these fatherless — and their energy was something to behold!

Here’s some nice blog coverage of the “Summit,” which I was privileged to attend (see the May 6 entry for pics and more).

Other posts to check out:

It really was a pretty special gathering, and everyone there had a heart to touch orphans for eternity. I look forward to seeing how God moves in the days ahead!

← Previous Page — Next Page →