This is a scene you don’t find in many homes these days. The Isaacs are not in front of a computer or television screen, and they’re actually interacting with each other!

Gwen Isaac says, “They always grow up too fast.”

Because they recognize that fact, the Isaacs have made some conscious choices to slow things down and let their kids be kids. Media exposure is one of their major concerns.

Gwen says, “One of the big things in our culture is the media and entertainment industry which I think has gone way too far in adult themes.

Danny Huerta – counselor, Focus on the Family says, “Just sexuality in general, exposure to that, through media, but also just even walking in the mall, really there’s a push for children to grow up very quickly.”

Even education can negatively impact childhood. Now in days, there’s a push to get younger and younger kids into formal learning environments like academic preschools.

Rick Isaac – father of 7 says, “Sometimes they burn out or don’t have the desire later on when they have the ability then to learn and grasp things much quicker.”

Also rushing kids into adulthood can backfire when they do grow up.

Rick says, “I see a lot of young adults that were pushed through childhood very quickly, but yet then they retain some of those childish behaviors because they haven’t had a chance to have their childhood.”

Danny says, “Just allowing them to have as many opportunities with just childhood activities as possible, and not hurrying it up. There’s enough push from the culture there doesn’t need to be more push from the parents.”

It’s similar to a fruit tree. If you artificially force growth, the fruit isn’t going to be that good. But if you allow the growth to naturally take its course, with patience, the fruit ripens to perfect sweetness. So as much as possible, let your kids enjoy being kids.