Kids' Media Consumption
Sep 10, 2024
Kids' Media Consumption - A mom in my coaching group was listening to a playlist with her daughter:
“A song came on about partying, getting drunk, passing out... a parent's worst fear! I said I didn't want her listening to it and that consuming that stuff is not ok. This is about values - our media consumption influences us and is an extension of who we are. She got defensive and mad - said she's a good kid, has been working on trust and did nothing wrong."
Kids' Media Consumption
Oh, baby! Media drama is a coaching GOLDMINE! Realistically, we can't stop kids from consuming uncomfortable content, and when my clients run into stuff they can’t control, it raises great questions (spoiler - coaching is 90% asking questions). For example:
- If kids’ choices are about values, whose? Who decides kids’ values? How do kids figure out their values?
- How might exposure to art that contradicts our values actually be good?
- When kids’ behavior scares us, how effective is it to control them to lessen our fear? How might we parent differently if we own our fear and focus on managing it instead?
Good parenting (and good coaching) follow Kahlil Gibran’s wise words:
“The teacher, if indeed wise, does not bid you to enter the house of their wisdom but leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
Questions are the path to that threshold. My questions helped this mom cross her threshold, and I invite you to do the same. You can help your child to cross their own threshold!
Conversations about Media
Imagine a media conversation that allows you to share your feelings accountably, discuss your child’s thoughts about what media exposes them to, acknowledge their agency, and help them with future decisions. Heck Yeah!!!
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that we cannot make kids’ choices for them, but we get to be a part of their decision-making when we stay present and connected instead of controlling and fearful. This is where I come in - it’s my job to ask those juicy questions, create space for you to explore your answers, and help you stay true to them even when it’s hard. If you’re saying, “Hell, Yes, I am so ready for this!” I am ready for YOU. Click on the link to set up a free Curiosity Call, and let’s go!
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