Video games.

Our son received the first XBOX 360 several years ago and then got the newer addition two years ago. The greatest game to play was Halo, a violent strategic game with shooting, snipers, bombs, you get the picture. Of course I was worried about this game. I talked with my son and explained all my concerns. I remember taking him to purchase the game because it was a mature level game. He was around 14. It is like an army game, with the good guys against the bad. I sat down and watched him play. I know there are cases where these games do influence young people and promote bad things, but I do not think this is the norm. I do not believe in the violent games like car jacking, robbing people. etc. This is one of the reasons parenting can be difficult. It requires us to research new things our children become interested in. We must be willing to find out information and then make decisions. My parents did not want me to dance, it wasn't godly. I couldn't wear a two piece swim suit. I could not wear make-up. You get the picture. My approach to parenting has been this...do not lie, sneak, cheat, steal, because trust will be hurt. Always ask me. Tell me the good and the bad. Be where you say you are going. Stay safe, always. As I write this, my son is playing Halo II, but he came straight home from football, sat down with his Burger King and told me about practice.