Why I would rather Netflix and chill with my kids
God recently spoke to me and told me to stop watching certain YouTubers. The problem with YouTube is that, like Netflix, there is often nothing to watch! I enjoy mostly home decor and lifestyle YouTubers, but I’m not devoted to any particular YouTuber; I watch them consistently for a couple of months, then suddenly stop, and I don’t remember them until the following year.
Over the years, especially in the past year, my love of movies has waned (I don’t have time) as I prefer listening to audiobooks or watching sermons instead. While I film, edit a video, or do something else on my laptop, I occasionally put Netflix / YouTube on in the background.
Since I have children, I’m careful when it comes to watching anything around them (or am I?). However, here’s what I think;
Watching movies has a similar effect as reading a book; it opens up my creativity, and I learn from it. However, this depends on the movie; you usually know if it’s good from the beginning. In my experience, I can tell by knowing the cast and director. Then there are those movies with a twist somewhere in the middle, and you’re blown away (which rarely happens for me; I could almost see it coming).
Movies usually depict relatable, real-life situations; for the most part, they are based on reality, and I want my children to be aware of what’s happening around them. There are always lesson to be learnt in these movies, and I always look for them.
Do I always watch Christian movies? Nope, does that mean PG13/18/21 content would be found somewhere in the middle of these films or shows? Maybe! That’s what I need to be aware of, but they are not only in movies; sometimes, all they need to do is go into the shops (if you know what I mean). Of course, we watch kid-appropriate movies, but even in those ones, you would find the odd swear words ( because in the world, it’s normal 🫤). Despite not saying or condoning swear words in our home, I will watch movies and Netflix with my children when they are old enough to understand. In addition to discussing the lessons and issues reflected in the movie, we will also critique the film and look for mistakes made in the filming and acting because that is what I always do when watching a movie.
I find some so-called children’s shows to be rubbish sometimes. Some may seem harmless at first, but when you look closer, you’ll find they don’t sometimes align with how you want to raise your children. Therefore, it comes down to the values you aim to instil in your child. We can’t shield them from everything; the best we can do is educate them. Remember, not all children fit the same mould.
Back to why God told me to stop watching these YouTubers. These are lifestyle YouTubers, and I would say they are some of the most genuine I have seen; they share their well-to-do lives, and I sometimes watch them for content ideas or to learn about their home decor. God told me they may not be “bad people”, but where you are going (i.e., where He is taking me), they are no longer suitable for me.
Hopefully, this sinks in because here’s what I learned: don’t rely on your understanding. Although we may have our judgements, they are not always correct. And the same goes for our children. I was led to pray with a sister regarding raising our children: Father, please show me what I need to do, continue or stop doing.
Here’s an example ;
while I enjoyed reading my bible on my phone, I felt like I wanted to return to the old-fashioned way for the sake of my children, so I started reading the paper version instead. It may not matter whether you use a phone or a physical copy for your child. But one thing I know about raising kids from watching my parents is that all kids are different; a simple act you do to one might not influence him, but if you do that same simple act with your other child, it may have a profound effect.
This is why I would never stop praying that prayer. And I pray that just as God spoke to me regarding those Youtubers, He will do the same with what I expose my children to. Mamas!!! Lean on God!!!
Trust the Lord with all your heart,
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NCV)
and don’t depend on your own understanding.
Remember the Lord in all you do,
and he will give you success.
Don’t depend on your own wisdom.
Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
