There is something to be learned from ‘OC’

It amazes me how parents blame television -- and more -- for

everything that children do.

I’m a big fan of “The OC,” and since I’m 56, I do lean toward

wisdom and experience. Parents aren’t looking at “The OC” and seeing

all it entails, besides a great cast of actors and great California

scenery.

On “The OC,” the parents took in a troubled boy, gave him a secure

place in life, education and family. Oh yes, and the pool house! I

still love the idea of living in the pool house.

In good and bad times, the teens on “The OC” are there for one

another. All the teens come from different family backgrounds but

respond to one another’s needs. The teens are active in school, are

good students and spend time with their families.

Yes, most events are fancy, but isn’t that what we want for our

children -- a good education so they can get great job positions, run

a business, be able to own a home, car and support their families and

not spend their lives struggling?

I admire the teens on “The OC.” They clean up well, take pride in

themselves and show respect by attending events with family and

friends. I enjoy seeing the 10 girls dress like girls and fix their

hair. Nice to see. I hope someday that femininity will work its way

back into our society.

It’s also part of life that kids ask for the keys to the car or

SUV. In the ‘60s, we asked for the station wagon, Ford Fairlane or

Chevy Impala.

It was also not unusual to know of groups of underage kids going

to Tijuana to drink or to beach parties to drink. Forty-five years

later, the desire to live on the wild side is still there with teens.

Your children may not do these things, nor do you want them to, but

these situations are in their face daily.

We all know of someone divorced with new boyfriends, wives or

husbands. None of that is new, it’s just more visual than years ago.

Children and teens are aware of more than parents give them credit

for. Limiting watching “The OC” won’t stop what teens already know.

My daughter is grown, but if she were a teen, I would want her to

watch “The OC,” since it has great lessons in socializing.

Parents are responsible to teach virtue and good decision-making

in life. Children and teens are very aware of all the different

lifestyles people live; they are around all of us daily.

The more teens know, the more they will take responsibility for

themselves and be able to adapt to the many situations that face them

now and for the rest of their lives. We can only hope they make good

choices in life.

“The OC” does show many situations and conflicts. Someone always

steps in to help; they all work together as adults, teens, families

and friends. They all learn and become stronger.

Parents: Enjoy watching “The OC.” It’s a terrific hour of reality

TV.

MADELYNNE YOUNG

Newport Beach