My 13 year old step-son listens to a variety of hip-hop and rock music. I have noticed that most of the songs have horrible words and talk about sex, drugs, driking, etc. Is this OK or should we put a stop to this? We have talked with him before and his reply was "but all the songs are like that" For the most part I know he's right but I do know that there is still songs out there that doesn't contain this stuff. Thank you.

At the end of the day it is up to you to decide what is OK for your son and what isn't. My oldest is still much younger and there is no way she is permitted to listen to that, but my brother is much closer to my daughter's age than to mine, and he listens to it constantly. (he's 14). You'll never be able to stop him from listening to it at a friend's house, but you can limit or eliminate it from your own. Maybe you could compromise and allow some songs or musicians, but disallow those you consider completely inappropriate.

Your house your rules, do what you feel is right.

There is plenty of music out there to choose from. While there are many more bands that have lyrics like these, there are plenty out there that do not. Your son saying "all the music does" is like him saying "but all the kids are doing it" It doesn't make it right. It doesn't make it something that it is O.K. to constantly be exposing yourself to at any age. You wouldn't let him hang out with people who spoke like this, would you? Don't allow him to expose himself to it while he is still under your supervision. There is an old goofy saying "Garbage in, Garbage out" but it is true. You are influenced by everything you come in contact with to some degree, and if you repeatedly expose yourself something, it is much more likely to shape your way of thinking. You are the parent. Parent him.

If you need any advice on which of the rock bands have suitable lyrics for his age I could probably tell you. If you stear him toward foreign bands they don't tend to swear (not in english anyway) and their lyrics aren't as aggressive- that's what I let my 12 year old cousin listen to when he comes round. Also some are worse than others- so if you need any help on which ones aren't suitable and you don't want to listen to them yourself PM me - unfortunately I don't know the rap ones as well! Most of it is probably going way over his head anyway - I can't believe some of the stuff I listen to when I was younger and didn't get a word of it.

As for enforcing it -good luck

It is your house, and your son. I do know how this goes. Most songs now do have very harsh langauge and sexual content. In the near future, it will become worse. But, you should put a stop to this type of music as of right now because he's 13 and just experiencing being a teenager. There are plenty of good songs and/or bands he can listen to without the bad langauge and affliation. Make sure to talk to him about the way YOU feel about it. Because he might get a little upset knowing he's a "teenager" and all.

Best of luck!