Okay, most parents out there are wondering - how do I keep up with this stuff? How do I know what's hot or not with kids, teens and adults? Greg, you're an expert, how do you keep up (notice tongue firmly in cheek)?
Here are some resources that you might want to use:
Entertainment Weekly: Want to know the latest film release, book release, what's hot/not, internet sensation, etc.? This magazine has the pulse on what's coming out and not only what stars are rising but also what companies and trends are happening. I, at times, have had subscriptions to this important magazine. It is not a Christian magazine but it is current and keeps you closer to the pulse of pop culture than any Christian magazine/organization ever will.
Nickelodeon: You can watch the shows, read their magazines, etc. This channel knows kids. From SpongeBob Squarepants to iCarly, whether you like or dislike their shows, this network knows what young, middle and older elementary children love.
Family Channel: Pretty much the Canadian Disney channel. It's a huge infomercial for upcoming kid's movies and Disney TV shows. No commercials except to plug films and Disney music stars. I'm not saying you need to watch it all the time but they are another popular channel with the 3-11 year old set.
EB Games/Future Shop/Best Buy/Microplay - Kids (especially boys) love video games. Whether the games are rated "E" or "M", discernment is needed for children. I know some kids that will only play tame Disney style games while other kids the same age will be playing "Call of Duty: Black Ops". If your child is a gamer - go to one of these stores and ask the salespeople what's popular and whether it's appropriate for your child.
At the end of the day, these are just a few examples of how to stay current. Not every child is into Nickelodeon or video games but the key is to find out what they like and then do your homework. Read online reviews (Christian and non). I know some parents that banned the Harry Potter series but failed to read them. I'm not condoning HP but it's better for the parent to discover these things and be able to adequately explain why certain material is inappropriate for their child than just say, "It's evil and you're not watching/reading/playing it!". Seeing what the fuss is about may confirm what you think or it may surprise you. Either way, a parent that allows their children to read/watch/play whatever they want or a parent who does not allow their children to do anything pop culture related, needs to know firsthand what it's about and then decide if it is appropriate.
Pop...
Greg
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