Chicken Pox & Video Games

A few years ago (thanks to social networking) there was a revival of sorts, where parents would seek out other parents who had children infected with chicken pox and try to set up "pox parties". These would be in two versions-the first would be to invite local kids who had the disease to your house in order to expose all your kids to them and the disease. This would either 1) give the healthy kids an immunity to the disease or 2) give the healthy kids the disease. The rationale behind this was that it was better to get the disease as a child instead of an adult so they might as well get it over with. The second version of the "pox party" was to have parents of infected children send suckers/lollipops, blankets, cups, etc.  through the mail that their sick children had licked or handled to parents of healthy children, who would then be exposed to the disease with the same results as version #1.
( Article here )

For most of us, this seems like an incredibly stupid thing to do (because it is). But here are some of the reasons that these parents choose to participate in these "parties":

• It's only chicken pox-it's not that bad
• My children will be exposed to it eventually anyway-this way I can control their exposure
• This will help them build up tolerance for the disease
• I don't need the government telling me that vaccines are mandatory

I would assume that the majority of parents would agree that seeking out and inviting diseases into our homes and then forcing our children to be exposed to them is a really, really, really bad idea. Instead we get them vaccinated so that they are immune, try to avoid coming in contact with infected people, and try to keep our homes clean and disinfected. We teach our children to turn their heads away from others when they cough or sneeze. We have them use soap and water. We use disinfectant sprays and cleaners. We wash our dishes and our clothes. We pay attention to news reports about outbreaks of diseases. We keep our kids home from school and church when they are sick to help prevent the spread of illnesses to others. In summary, we do everything we possibly can to protect our families and keep them safe and healthy.

So who don't we do the same thing when it comes to the different forms of media that we allow/bring in our homes? I've heard discussions at work and online where some parents though it was perfectly acceptable to allow their children to play "M" rated video games (and we're talking anywhere from 3 years old to 16 years old).

Here are some of the reasons excuses that they gave for allowing this:

• My kids see and hear this stuff everywhere anyway
• My kids know what's real and what's not
• I draw the line at the sexually suggestive games but I'm ok with the violence
• Ratings are just a guide-they're not really that accurate
• They need to know what's out there in the "real world"
• These games aren't really that bad
• It's not like my kids are using drugs or anything-at least they're home and I know what they're doing

These sound a lot like the reasons given for having "pox parties" don't they?

Why are so many of us so diligent in protecting our families from physical dangers (i.e. disease, fire, injury, etc) but are so lax when it comes to protecting our families from spiritual and emotional dangers? These dangers are far worse than physical diseases, and exposure to media filth does not create an immunity; it makes them sick for life.

Here are some words of counsel and advice from a couple of General Conference talks:

From Larry R. Lawrence in an October 2010 talk titled "Courageous Parenting" ( Link here ):

In these last days, what the world really needs is courageous parenting from mothers and fathers who are not afraid to speak up and take a stand.

Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it.

It’s so important for husbands and wives to be united when making parenting decisions. If either parent doesn’t feel good about something, then permission should not be granted. If either feels uncomfortable about a movie, a television show, a video game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or an Internet activity, have the courage to support each other and say no.

And from Elder Joe J. Christensen in an October 1993 talk titled "Rearing Children in a Polluted Environment" ( Link Here ):

Although there are some uplifting exceptions, in most areas of the mass media there seems to be a declaration of war against almost everything the majority treasures most: the family, religion, and patriotism. Marriage is degraded, while premarital and extramarital relations are encouraged and glamorized. Profanity and the foulest of vulgar gutter language bombard the ears of all who listen. Reportedly, in one R-rated movie, the most common, vulgar four-letter word was spoken 256 times! Human life itself is trivialized by the constant barrage of violence and killings. Remember that anything that is not good for children is rarely good for adults. (emphasis added)

Even though your children say, “Well, everyone else is going to stay out until one or two in the morning, and their parents don’t care. Why can’t I? Don’t you trust me?” let them know that there are some things that, as members of your family, you simply do not do. Some parents seem to be almost pathologically concerned about their children’s popularity and social acceptance and go along with many things that are really against their better judgment, such as expensive fads, immodest clothes, late hours, dating before age sixteen, R-rated movies, and so on. For children and parents, standing up for what is right may be lonely at times. There may be evenings alone, parties missed, and movies which go unseen. It may not always be fun. But parenting is not a popularity contest. (emphasis added).

Are we going to be able to protect our children and our families 100% from the degrading influences that are out there? Of course not, but we can do everything in our power to limit the exposure and to make our homes a place of refuge. We can and must control what is on our televisions, our computers, our smart phones, our mp3 players, our video game consoles, etc. And, as Paul said to the Ephesians:

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;