For this post, I want to share one of my favorite weeks from my book Doc Pop’s 52 weeks of Active Parenting with you. Be on the lookout for more Doc Pop’s 52 Weeks posts to come, and if you like what you read, consider getting the book for yourself or as a gift for any parent who would appreciate a fun and easy way to incorporate a little parenting education into every week of the year.

You’re going to hate me for this, but I want you to spend 2-3 hours this week watching what your children watch, listening to what they listen to, and visiting the sites they visit. It may not be to your taste, but at this stage do not judge or criticize them for it. Just raise your own awareness level.

After doing your homework, write down the answers to these questions:

1. Describe what you saw or heard.
2. Was it most good stuff or bad stuff according to your value system? How? Why?
3. How will you filter it if necessary?

Later, discuss your views with your children and come up with an agreement for what is OK and not OK to ingest.

And don’t fall victim to the old saw about what Billy is allowed to watch. The answer to that is: “You’re not Billy, and I’m not Billy’s mother. Now let’s discuss how we are going to do it in our family.”