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still developing their full behavioral, intellectual, emo- tional, and social attitudes and responses. As Luther teaches us in his Small Catechism explanation of the First Commandment, our youth can easily let social networks replace God as the thing they fear, love, and trust the most. Furthermore, electronic media makes it difficult for our teens to differentiate reality from fantasy. Our younger teens may not be mature enough to think with discern- ment, especially regarding subjects like violence or sex. Additionally, average teenagers use devices to send and receive information more than six hours each day. This robs them of the chance to spend time playing sports, doing community service, reading, and com- municating face-to-face with family and friends. We know that children who use media heavily are at risk of becoming socially isolated, which is a challenge to identity. These are merely a few of the deleterious effects of electronic technology on our children and their under- standing of their identity as part of God's family. Have you had enough already? Ding! Notification: We have Jesus to anchor our men- toring of youth. What resources does the Spirit give us to raise children to have resilient and Christ-centered identities, even in this challenging time? Our children must be surrounded by caring, compas- sionate, faith-filled, and accountable adults—and friends. Don't let your child become isolated and immersed in media. Begin setting boundaries for media time and content consumption in preschool and reinforce them as your children grow up. Something as simple as setting a basket on the kitchen counter and depositing all electronic devices (including the adults') during breakfast and supper is a start. Replacing bed- time media viewing with a heart-to-heart review of the day and prayer time is helpful. Bedtime is a wonderful time to reinforce baptismal identity. Remember that you, a Spirit-inspired mom or dad, are the most important source of information, attitude, val- ues, understanding, comfort, and security in a child's life, especially regarding self-image, sexual behavior, drugs, relationships, and wellness. Remember that the way we as parents steward our bodies, minds, and spir- its remains the best way to communicate this to your child. Are we eating healthy, maintaining weight and exercise, resting, avoiding drinking alcohol excessively and smoking, shunning pornography and excessive media use ourselves? How are we as parents interact- ing with our family and neighbors? Are we glorifying God with our spoken communication? Children reflect the images of the adults around them, especially their parents. We can provide opportunities as a family to serve at church, school, and our communities, working alongside our youth rather than vegging out in front of the TV or computer. Be physical rather than sedentary. Know your children's friends. Period. No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of parenting, calm and compassionate conversations with children, especially teens, remains the first line of fami- ly wellness. Do this face-to-face. Furthermore, be aware that you have professional counselors, therapists, phy- sicians, pastors, teachers, and youth ministers as part of your influencing team. Electronic technology can positively help you effectively connect to these human resources. Use all these gifts to create an identity char- acterized by purposeful and missional living centered in Jesus. w All portions of your family's well-being are important, from their physical health, to their spiritual. Learn how to take care of their entire well-being by using five core value sets and God's Word. Find this title and others listed in Lutheran Life at cph.org/llresources. FAMILY WELLNESS Lutheran Life 17

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