There is no doubt that it is difficult to be the parent of a teen in this day and age. The only thing more challenging than raising a teenager to become a responsible adult with decent morals, is actually being a teenager in today's society. Marketers are working extremely hard to manipulate how today's young people think and to change what they believe in. The battlefields are numerous; fashion, music, television and movies are just the start.

The worst areas can be found in movies. Nowadays the restricted movies are mostly rated as "R". Even good movies are filled with sex and profanity to give them an "R" rating.

Adolescents can easily access these movies through many avenues, including cable, satellite television, and DVDs. Older teens have no problem going to theaters and seeing the movies; they just buy the ticket and sit down for the show. Pay particular attention to the movies with PG-13 ratings which are geared toward teen audiences. Many movies are produced to give teen viewers a scary thrill by including demonic themes with ghosts, demonic beings, and witchcraft. Even after finishing the movie, nightmarish memories are ingrained in them.

Harry Potter is another example which has produced an entire industry of books, movies, video games, board games, clothing, and many other forms of merchandise. Were your children allowed to read the Harry Potter books? Some parents allowed their children to read the books under the idea that reading of any kind should be encouraged. Are you serious? Are you aware of what the Bible has to say about witchcraft? The scripture quote from Exodus 22:18 (NIV) is "Do not allow a sorceress to live", which makes a very strong statement.

Equally treacherous is television. Even in everyday situations such as television ads for hamburgers, casual sex can be seen. The occult is often portrayed to be enticing and powerful. Two popular shows, Mediums and Ghost Whisperers, portray real people who claim to be able to converse with the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 NIV states : "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Someone who engages in any of these practices will be looked at unfavorably by the LORD." So what should a parent do in these situations? Constant prayer and taking time to discuss what your teenagers are watching will help them decide right and wrong.

Parents can put blocks on their own televisions to disallow certain ratings from being shown. You can encourage your teen to join Christian youth groups to minimize feelings of deprivation and gain desirable peer pressure. Another big area of dispute is music which promotes or encourages sex, violence, and drugs. Luckily, there are popular Christian bands performing all kinds of popular music with a Christian message. You can guide your teen that way.

Check out the music that they listen on CDs or through iPods. Thanks to fashion designers, many of our daughters look as though they are ready to advertise their bodies rather than walk to school when they leave the house. It can be difficult to find modest clothing for your teenager to wear. In the case your teen's shirt needs to say something, ensure that it speaks life. When shopping in your local stores, you may find it difficult to find stylish clothing that your teen will love, but will also make a bold Christian statement. You will be pleasantly surprised at the affordable selections at online Christian clothing companies.

Become involved in your teen's life, stay involved, pray a lot, and good luck. Both of you will make it through these few years.

Bethany Chastain is a dedicated Mother raising a strong Christian family of 4. She highly recommends the awesome products offered by C28 for teens and young adults, including a Christian clothing line, Christian clothing, jewelry, Christian music, gifts, and Bible verse t-shirts that reflect a clean and positive Christian lifestyle.