party like a what, what?

Hi. I'd like to establish (or solidify) my nerdy-ness once and for all. I don't like the current "Rockstar" craze. Unfortunately, its hard to find even binkies (I'm not kidding on this one people) that aren't trying to be cool these days! As President Faust said, "There is a certain irony in the fact that some parents are so anxious for their children to be accepted by and be popular with their peers; yet these same parents fear that their children may be doing the things their peers are doing."  Why, tell me why, would I want my 2 year old to EVER "Party like a RockStar"? No, its not just because he's two. I don't want him to when he's twenty two or forty two (please note the use of the word EVER). Not only do I not want him to ever party like a rockstar, I also don't ever want him to BE a rock star. Think about the kids you knew in high school who were the closest to becoming real rockers in adulthood...go ahead...I really want you to actually picture them in your mind...now think of the ones who never actually grew out of it...Is that what you want your kids to live like when they're forty. And then there are the actual World famous Rock icons and legends of Guitar Hero. While I will say some rockstars are incredibly talented people (I'd say about 50 percent), most if not all are also incredibly disturbed people. I can't think of any that aren't. Let me know if you do. I mean "Future Rockstar" toddler shirts? Yes, my greatest hope is that one day my child will discover great musical talent, stop showering, sleep around, do drugs, drink heavily, get tatoo-ed and pierced, play in front of sold out crowds screaming his name and then eventually die from a drug overdose or sexually transmitted disease.

Now don't get me wrong, I like to play Rockband and Guitar Hero with my brother and sister in law. I'm actually pretty good. But may I be so absurd as to suggest that maybe this is an adult game? Maybe kids shouldn't be singing along word for word lyrics about being high and having sex. For older kids it might be a good time to point out how sad the lyrics are and how deeply troubled the minds and/or hearts are of the people they represent. Producing a beautiful piece of art does not change who they are and it does not make their lifestyle into one that they can enjoy. Many things combine to make their lives look much better than they really are while moms scrub toilets and wipe noses, but in reality many of the rich and famous are very sad and lonely people just looking for joy in all the wrong places. So I'd like to say to my kid and children everywhere, loudly even--"NO! DO NOT 'Party like a RockStar!' They are partying to forget. I want you to live a life whose memories bring you comfort and joy and peace not one whose falsehoods you need to drink or inject away." That's it I am going out to start a line of clothes and binkies and gear all emblazoned with the creed, "Party like a Mormon!"

How do we keep our children's hearts soft and teachable?

By softening our own. Being willing to change-- the way you dress, the shows and movies you watch, the way you speak about yourself and the opposite sex, the music you listen to--will do something to your child's heart that your words cannot.

Set a Consistent Example

"Some parents may think they are keeping a safe enough distance from inappropriate entertainment, rationalizing our involvement by saying that “just a little won’t hurt” or “it only has one bad part.” Standards will deteriorate if parents subject themselves to these influences...


I recognized the challenge in this when I began listening to a radio station that plays the music I enjoyed as a teenager. There were songs I hadn’t heard for more than 20 years, yet I had total recall of the lyrics, some of which I now recognize were not always appropriate. I was always taught that if you hear the music, your mind is recording the words, but I realize only now how desensitized I was as a teenager to some of those popular lyrics. I find myself doing a lot of station-hopping because my spirit can no longer tolerate the words which come so vividly back to my mind, and I realize that if I, as a parent, want to remain credible in the eyes of my children, I cannot justify listening to or viewing the kind of entertainment that I have asked my children not to participate in.

The most powerful way for us to teach our children correct principles is by example. If we stand firm against the waves of worldly entertainment and set a consistent example of private prayer, scripture study, church and temple attendance, and meaningful service, our children will be more likely to follow our example and develop these same strengths in their own lives.

We must make our homes a holy place, not a hiding place for entertainment that will lead us away from the Spirit of the Lord."

http://lds.org/ensign/2001/06/setting-family-standards-for-entertainment?lang=eng