Rearing Children in a Polluted Environment

The suggested article on Instagram's BOM365 is to read is; Rearing Children In A Polluted Environment, a talk given by Joe J. Christensen in 1993.

He said: "In a recent conference, Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “As we test the moral environment, we find the pollution index is spiraling upward” (Ensign, May 1992, p. 66). The Apostle Paul foresaw “that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Tim. 3:1). And speaking of the last days, the prophet Moroni declared, “Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth” (Morm. 8:31).

Sadly, the effects of this great pollution are perhaps most evident in the mass media, films, television, and popular music. Of this, Senator Robert D. Byrd said, “If we in this nation continue to sow the images of murder, violence, drug abuse, … perversion, [and] pornography… before the eyes of millions of children, year after year and day after day, we should not be surprised if the foundations of our society rot away as if from leprosy” (Michael Medved, Hollywood vs. America, New York: Harper Perennial, 1992, p. 194).

Parents who really want to receive assistance must return to the basics—the fundamentals of the gospel. Among all that could be said, here are four specific suggestions that, if applied, can make a positive difference:

• First, do not be afraid to set clear moral standards and guidelines. Be sure to say no when it is needed.
• Second, teach your children to work and to take responsibility. Especially in urban settings, too many children are growing up in an environment where they do not have enough to do.
• Third, create an environment in your family in which spiritual experiences can occur.

“I feel certain that if in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes... The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase; the pure love of Christ will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

• Fourth, follow the counsel of the prophets. Listen to their messages at this conference and re-read their counsel to us from prior occasions. If your personal and family practices do not conform to the counsel received, then, for your own family’s sake, make some changes."

I appreciated this article. My 4-year-old daughter loves to "watch". Sometimes I feel like I would love to get rid of every source of media in our home, but that's not realistic, nor logical. I just need to steer her interest away from watching so much, by giving her more things to do, more time away from home, more work to do, more ways to use our minds and our bodies. She is still young enough that boundaries are respected and even in some cases appreciated. After reading this article, I commit to be better at this. I will be more consistent and strict with time limits and with helping her to find activities that inspire her and take over her interest of watching. It would also be good for me to practice saying the word "no" a little more often.