and/or play video games encouraging players to “kill” the screen images? In a much milder connotation, have I purposely killed another person’s dream, enthusiasm, curiosity or idea?

Lesson for kids: Watching violence on the television is acceptable and playing acting out “killing” people figures on a video game is acceptable.

6. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Question for parents: Do I stay faithful to my spouse in body and mind? Do I tell jokes or laugh at jokes that demean the institute of marriage?

Lesson for kids: If a marriage is filled with respect and commitment, they will see what that looks like and how it is done. More importantly, if parents keep this commandment, their children and spouses will never experience the conflict and pain that being unfaithful can create.

Or:

Question for parents: Have I been unfaithful in body, and/or chosen to use pornography or otherwise participated in virtual or real online relationships outside of marriage?

Lessons for kids: In marriage, it is acceptable to be unfaithful to one’s spouse and choose to spend time in affairs of the body and/or mind.

7. “Thou shalt not steal.”

Question for parents: Do I refrain from choosing to steal or from cheating in financial transactions?

Lesson for kids: Honesty is the best policy and stealing is wrong.

Or:

Question for parents: Do I steal clothes from stores or office supplies from work, cheat on taxes and/or steal ideas from co-workers and take credit for their work?

Lesson for kids: Stealing is only wrong if I get caught.

8. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Question for parents: Am I honest in dealings and communications with my family, community members, parish and co-workers?

Lesson for kids: If parents speak the truth with others, and about other, children will see how honesty and respect are practiced. This can be reinforced as they develop relationships with family and friends.

Or:

Question for parents: Do I speak untruths or spread gossip about people?

Lesson for kids: It is acceptable to lie and gossip.

9. “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife/husband.”

Question for parents: Do I think of my spouse as my one and only lover and accept all aspects of my spouse?

Lesson for kids: Married couples show total commitment to each other and accept each other.

Or:

Question for parents: Do I desire a neighbor/co-worker/other person instead of my spouse or wish my spouse was more like other people?

Lesson for kids: It is acceptable to place one’s desire for love outside of marriage and want your beloved to be at the center of your life until someone better comes along.

10. “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.”

Question for parents: Am I grateful for the life I have, the family I have, the home I have, and the faith I have?

Lesson for kids: On any given day, look for something in your life to be grateful for. Always be grateful for what you have.

Or:

Question for parents: Do I want a bigger house, faster car, greener lawn or more prestigious job?

Lesson for kids: Appearances are very important, so always try to keep up with the Jones’, being jealous of them until you do.

Underlying all actions as parents is one other bonus guideline: Do unto others, as you would have done unto you.

The Ten Commandments can be used by parents as a way of life, and as a reference to teach their children life lessons. Words about people and actions toward their children, spouses and other people are what truly become the raw material of what children use as their own real-life videos that teach them how to behave and grow toward adulthood.

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Mary Carty is the Home and Family editor of Catholic Online (www.Catholic.org).