The Greenhouse

We were in our high school's newly built library. I remember thinking that it was massive and impressive. One of our teachers commented that we, kids, seemed to have it all. We were in Disneyland. At the time, I couldn't quite figure out what that meant. Disneyland? What with all the teenage worries of fitting in, passing exams, and winning against the Juniors? It sure didn't seem like a walk in an amusement park to me. Now, that I look back, I guess our teacher's comment makes a lot of sense. We were in a way quite sheltered from the outside world. We were given one of the best education in an atmosphere that was relatively safe and secure. We were in a very good Catholic school. Values and virtues were promoted to mold our young minds and our own creative ideas were encouraged and celebrated.
Alas, a friend of mine commented the other day, we don't live in a greenhouse. As adults, we know that the social values promoted today are mixed and muddled. Many of us are desensitized. Things that should bother our conscience no longer do. And as for our creative ideas, most are replaced with mirror images of what social media dictates. I read somewhere... We have to act the way we think, lest we end up thinking the way we act.
I suppose the beauty of becoming a parent is that it awakens our conscience again. We try to become sensitive to what is right and not right for the sake of our children. We do not fear the gray areas because we look into them, we discuss them with our spouse and with other well-formed and informed parents. Values and virtues should still exist in our own homes. Our children need to see our example. They may see us stumble but may they never fail to see us struggle. And, beyond that, we must influence the environment they are growing up in. There is always something we can do as parents, no matter how little. We cannot raise our children in a greenhouse, but we have to teach them to carry their own environment with them. St. Josemaria has this advice: 'There's no denying the influence of environment', you've told me. And I have to answer: Quite. That is why you have to be formed in such a way that you can carry your own environment about with you in a natural manner, and so give your own 'tone' to the society in which you live. And then, if you have acquired this spirit, I am sure you will tell me with the amazement of the disciples as they contemplated the first fruits of the miracles being worked by their hands in Christ's name: 'There's no denying our influence on environment!' (The Way, 376)

What are some ways that you can teach your children to say "no" when it counts? Or, when to say "yes" willingly if they are needed?

Considering the great impact of media, how do you help your children become discriminating consumers of entertainment?