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Hey Dad,

We're almost home. We left sunny, green Florida behind and are now in gray, leafless Indiana. Ahhh, God's country. Along the way, we passed through the peanut capital of the world, cotton fields, and learned that Georgians call shopping carts "buggies."

While we've been gone, a little dilemma has arisen that calls for the family watch dog to bare his teeth, stand his ground, and growl. I am that dog. It's my job as 'da dad, to guard what comes into our house (or RV) and into my children's minds and hearts—which isn't always real popular.

The issue in question is the latest Disney/Pixar adventure. Since we hardly ever go to movies, the kids and I have been anticipating its release in hopes that it would be one we could go see.

But as the family watchdog, I never assume that everything that hits the market is suitable for my children. And, after a little investigating on a reliable website, we found out that this film might not be the best for children. The kids were bummed and frustrated. After all, millions of kids are going to see the movie.

I carefully explained how it is our job as parents to guard what goes into their hearts whether they like it or not and that I would reassess after I viewed the movie. I confess that I was a little bummed, too. After Finding Nemo, I assumed their next one would be fun too.

Now maybe you're saying to yourself, "What's the big deal? It can't be that bad."

My answer to that is, "It is a big deal, and it might not be THAT bad, but it might not be appropriate for my children. And, yes, it is a big pain, and people WILL think we've gone overboard, or are backward and prudish.

But you know what? Guard dogs don't care what others say. It's my responsibility, and I'm going to do it.

It's your job too, Dad. Whether your kids like it or not, your job is to protect their hearts. So do it. It's your job to sift through all the stuff that can go into your kids' heads. That includes books, magazines, videos, music, activities, friends, and everything else that you can think of. And here's a hint. If everyone else is doing it, beware.

So give me a growl and stand your ground.

You 'da watchdog! [Todd]

©Copyright Todd Wilson, 2004. Used by permission.

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