Fighting For The Minds and Hearts of Our Children

Vintage Homeschool Moms

Are you aware that the minds and hearts of our children are being undermined? In the past, this happened quietly without our notice; however, now, it is out in the open. In this podcast, we discuss a way to counter the enemy of the family.

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Minds and Hearts Of Our Children – Episode 531

This was not the topic or theme I wanted to discuss today, but unfortunately, it became a topic of grave importance when I stumbled upon a post by what I would call insidious and created by an evil person who is out to undermine parents everywhere. I was shocked to learn that many are out in the open, unapologetic, and right under the nose of most parents. More on this in a bit.

In the past, we worried about subliminal messages on records and music, whether or not a painting had things drawn in that were not age-appropriate or if a movie had a character that was not of our liking or against a religious or moral belief. One time, as an adult watching a movie, I gasped in shock, and when my husband asked why, I said that one character had her upper half exposed for a brief second! We could not believe it and warned our daughter about this popular “family-friendly” princess film at the time.

At one point, it was just a little here and there, and while it was present in children’s television and movies, most parents were warned and could make informed decisions. In fact, if you were like me, you would research and preview films before you allow the children to view them. Even those sites are lacking at times. I, for one, do not like Common Sense Media; why? I looked up a movie rated “R,” and when I read the reviews on this “family-friendly” rating site, it was given three stars instead of the minus one it deserved. It contained nudity, smoking pot, and profanity. Is that all? (My go-to for ratings are Plugged In or Christian Answers with a review of Harold and The Purple Crayon. (I wanted to take the kids to this one, but we will sit it out.)

Yet, while all of this is valid and of concern, what if I told you there is a known (said on air) out there, applauded by some people in our society, that is (said on air) children to disobey their parents? I heard a brief montage with the overall theme of disobeying and disrespecting your parents! I was reading the news, which, truthfully, I try to avoid, and this was shared on my X Feed. I didn’t want to watch it and normally would have scrolled over it. However, I’ve been praying about starting a podcast that talks specifically to children. I have done several “Just For Kids” episodes that speak to the heart of a child. These episodes are within the context of Vintage Homeschool Mom, and I encourage the parents to listen with their children. The content focuses on good behavior, being a member of a family, and honoring your parents. And, now, I will take it to prayer and consider a stand-alone episode.

Choosing Good Behavior – Just For Kids

50 Summer Projects – Just for Kids

Now, back to my initial concern after listening to the person telling children to disobey.

The overall advice was how to subvert your parents. Here is the nutshell version: (Details are on air.)

1. If you are asked to do something, play innocent.
2. Feel no guilt
3. Limit contact

Sickening. Disturbing. Heartbreaking.

Minds and Hearts of Our Children… Corrupted!

Sure, some kids may be confused for a season, and this person is the reason. He is encouraging children to be disobedient to the people who care and feed them, to those who love and nurture, and to those who truly have a stake in their well-being. As this man teaches children how to disobey their parents, he is conversely telling them to obey him as if this person, whose sanity is perhaps in question (sorry for being judgmental here), has all the answers. He has no moral answers, that is for darn sure!

We teach our children to ask questions if they do not understand what we are asking, but not as a way to stonewall us or make us angry. In this situation, he is asking children to be combative, purposely disobedient, and hurtful.

Secondly, “Feel no guilt?” So, he is teaching that if you feel bad for being a disobedient child, you should ignore this feeling. Friends, God gives us all a built-in moral compass that we, as parents, should nurture in our children. The way we do this is to praise good behavior, encourage our children to make wise choices, and give our children the ability to explore the world around them in wholesome ways. Yet, to purposely tell a child not to be morally bound to listen to their parents is offensive and hurtful; it is downright evil.

And lastly, limit contact. If your child has pulled away from you, examine the reason why. There are people out there who tell our children that limiting contact with their parents is the best way to keep from getting swayed from a bad way of thinking to a good way of thinking. This makes perfect sense in the world of moral decay. If you avoid contact with what is good and holy, you become good and holy, but if you surround yourself with what is evil, then the outcome is as expected.

This person used terms like “bully” and “narcissistic” to describe parents in general. He said we (parents) only talk about ourselves and care about ourselves (in response to our children’s needs.) Typical responses from parents, he claims, are as follows:

1. (A profanity which I will not repeat.)
2. How can you do this to me?
3. Why aren’t you listening to me?
4. How can you be so hurtful to me?

What can we do? Fighting For The Minds and Hearts of Our Children:

You, dear parent, are so overwhelmed with homeschooling, parenting, finding enough money for groceries and other bills (and trying not to stress). Never mind the extra time to think! I get it; I’ve been there! But, this is so important. The people trying to influence our children are out there and ready.

Define Yourself and Your Kids:

Ask your children – who are you? (A child of God? A member of this family? A brother, a sister, or a son or daughter? Then, define yourself to your children. I am your mom (or dad), love you, and want what is best for you. If you ever need to talk to me, I am here for you. We are a family; we love God, go to church, and/or … fill in the blank with what defines you and your family. Be sure to let your children know how much you love and respect them, and encourage them whenever you can.

Family First:

We are a team! We spend time together because we are a family. Explain that your family comes first. The needs and wants of each person in the family are equally important.

Sure, someone may be sick from time to time or need extra attention, but parents should be sure that their children are not falling through the cracks. I heard a term “glass children” and I will podcast about this on a future episode, these are children who feel that no one sees them because others in the family are in such dire need. Perhaps there is another need in the family, but you are a family together. Care for each other and protect each other–we are there for each other, no matter what!

Fundamental Option:

What is most important in your family? What is the most important decision(s) you make? Make sure the kids are aware. Is it a set of rules (respect) for you and for each other, faith (church on Sunday, no matter what), family meals, or no phones at the table? Whatever the rule or importance to your family, be sure it is made clear.

Good Morals

Do we teach our children good character traits and morals and do this by example? The best way to teach is by example, but it is also through role-playing and working through character activities as a family. I’ve created two 12-pack Character Counts Workbooks (Links here: Character Counts –12 Pack and Character Counts, Two- 12 pack), but there are many ways you can do this in real-time. If you forget to pay for an item, bring it back and take the kids. (Yes! I know.) If you run into a car backing up (tell a story), leave a note on the windshield. These things have a bigger impact on your child’s character than you realize.

(Share story)

Get Unplugged

Be sure you have control over your child’s devices, but realize this is not enough. Even the library app isn’t safe. If you can pay for the extra protections on your internet service plan and your cell phone plan. Or put protections and a password on your kid’s phone and iPad, computers that only you know and can access.

If our children are not exposed to the filth while under our care, the odds are that they will grow up to be well-adjusted adults. In our family, prayer and God were a big part of our homeschool journey. We had days when we fasted from television or sweets as a family. We practiced the 40 days leading up to Easter (Lent) as a family; the kids even joined us while in college. We have a family cell phone loop where we post prayers for each other or celebrate Holy Days and remembrances.

This could only happen because I began it when we homeschooled. Look at your homeschool curriculum and be sure to add part or all of these things over the year. Celebrate things with just your family—friends are great, but family time is often limited and so precious!

I have much more to say on this topic, especially on how we can use our words to encourage our children to seek their own answers that have a moral foundation. One way to do this is to use short teaching lessons as we live our lives. Next week’s podcast will focus on the four questions to ask your children about the future, dignity, relationships, and accountability. In fact, it will be an ongoing series covering each of these points because it is so necessary!

I will pray for you as you navigate a society that prays upon the hearts and minds of our children!

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