Peer influence/ Protecting our Kids

I'm not a parent, but I work with many kids and often times anytime there is a conflict among kids, parents will blame the other child involved and insist we keep them separated. It has me thinking...

Our kids are easily influenced by what they see and whomever they are around. How do we (as believers) protect our kids from seeing too much, but not keep them so sheltered that they are oblivious to the world? I have seen both sides of this.

What has worked with your kids? Or
What is your personal experience with this growing up?

I am a parent, and IT has me thinking!

It is becoming harder and harder to shelter our kids from the outside world. I agree that to a point we need to. The outside shouldn't be their primary influence. But at the same time, we need be there for them to talk with them about the things that are going on.

I sometimes talk to my kids about drugs, alcohol, and porn to make them aware of the danger of it. Also, I try to help them to maybe see that some of these other kids might come from homes that are broken or abusive or has other problems.

And as I say this, I make more than my share of mistakes with my children and wonder if it will turn them the wrong way at some point.

But this a challenge and a good thing to be thinking about. It takes wisdom to deal with these things as they are not cookie cutter problems. Are there any cookie cutter problems?

Well depends, you can see a difference between kids and lambs. Lambs tend to flock together but kids are independent. Kids can be bullies to each other, and especially to lambs.

There is a case for separation in many instances and the lambs are happier when theres no kids around. Kids will always get into trouble, because kids are, well, kids. You just need to keep them either on a leash or set them free to the wild hillsides where they can roam contently. Lambs require more care, but they will follow you because they go where the kindness is.