I’ve been a little confused lately on what to let my children watch—either in the theaters or on TV. I have found that many parents have a more relaxed attitude on this subject than I do. And I have relaxed some as they have gotten into middle school--- but I really am concerned about what they are exposed to. My 13 year old constantly asks if he can see some R-rated movie — and I believe him when he says his friends have seen them, because the parents tell me! I keep saying no!

Television is even more aggravating, because the commercials can be the worst part of the show. Or the promos for upcoming shows, that go into amazing detail during the “family time” hours. I do believe that some stuff goes over the kids’ heads, but the constant exposure has to affect them somehow. Am I being over-protective? There is some really good stuff out there, but it has just enough adult content to make it inappropriate. My kids hate that word! Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

I experienced a first the other day. My daughter said, “I hate you.” Everyone says it’s normal, and that I am lucky to have not heard it earlier, and that it means I’m doing my job--- but it still felt like an arrow through the heart! I let it pass, and she was over it in a short time, but I think I am fully initiated in “tween” now! It is a bridge they have to cross, and it is a hard time for everyone.

I just read an interesting article about parents who pay their kids for earning good grades. Thankfully, in my house, that could be an expensive proposition, but it is never a path that we've followed. Working hard and doing your best has always been the mantra -- and even straight A’s would be nice, but not required. I would like to believe that personal pride and accomplishment might be incentive enough.

I have a wonderfully generous 13-year-old daughter, and yesterday we were discussing Christmas gifts for her friends at school. She told me she needed only 4 for her "best, best" friends this year. Super! I said. Well ,that was yesterday. This morning though, she tells me that so and so is getting her a gift, so we need one for her, and she heard another so and so "might" get her something, so we better go ahead and get that girl a little something also. OH NO! Here it comes.