Parenting My Teen

You’ve probably heard some of the uproar about Adam Lambert’s performance on the American Music Awards recently. If not, here’s an article one of my friends and fellow work at home mom buddies wrote, which is where I first heard about it since I did not watch the awards show.

When I saw the video (which has since been removed due to copyright issues) I was appalled. I think it was a disgusting performance and very distasteful. I’m not an Adam Lambert fan at all, never was. I personally don’t care for his voice and all that screaming he does. That’s beside the point. The point is our teens and maybe even children saw it. What did it teach them?

I am not a perfect parent, and I’m not one of those parents who shelter my kids from the outside world. My kids go to the movies, watch TV, go to school dances, etc. But, there are some things that should be left in the bedroom and not plastered on a big screen, or small one for that matter.

Think about it. How uncomfortable do you feel if say some friends of yours happen to kiss in front of you? I don’t mean a little peck on the lips, I’m talking about a full out spit swapping, tonsil hockey, French kiss. I know I feel uncomfortable and want to leave the room. Why would I want to watch it on TV or in the movies? I have watched make-out sessions on TV and at the movies, and they can be quite uncomfortable, especially when they lead to more.

When my friend’s blog posted on Facebook, there was a big discussion going on about Adam Lambert’s performance, whether it was distasteful or not. Someone even went so far as to say it was art. And some may view it as a form of art, but it’s still not something I would want my kids to see.

There is so much stuff out there, and the regulations guiding what’s allowed and what’s not allowed to be shown on TV or in the movies, or heard in music are getting more and more tolerant. What used to be rated R back when I was a teen is now rated PG-13, and what was rated PG-13 is rated PG or even G.

Our children are so influenced by what they see in the media, it’s no wonder more and more teens are addicted to internet porn, “sexting”, and sex. As parents it’s up to us to protect them and teach them about sex. When your teen sees the kind of performance given by Adam Lambert, or sexual scenes in the movies and on TV, those images stick with them and that’s what they learn from.

Be proactive with your teen by teaching them and guiding them what you want them to learn. Don’t leave it up to the media or society.

Okay, that’s my rant for the day. What are your thoughts or comments on this subject?