Growing pains

Someone has stolen my daughter and replaced her with a tween version. She disappears into the back bedroom and when I come through the door, the television immediately goes black. It's a scary feeling thinking she might be watching something inappropriate.
By turning the television back on, I've discovered her secret channel is Disney. She's graduated from the little kid shows and is now all about teen programming, which we've previously frowned upon. "Zack and Cody" are her two new best friends. I'm not sure who they are. All I know is that they are twin boys. It racks my nerves to consider that I really don't know much about any of these shows. I feel very irresponsible. I saw a little bit of "Hannah Montana" one day and it seemed fairly harmless. But I still wonder. Sometimes Faith squeals with laughter as she's watching. She rushes through supper to get back to the television. I'm not thrilled at all about this new habit, so I've had a little talk with her about my concerns. It must be sinking in somewhat as I heard her trying to convince my husband the show she was watching was OK. "Dad I can watch this," she said. The kids aren't talking mean to their parents or anything." I might be over-reacting, but there is plenty of junk on television. I didn't even like her watching Caillou on PBS because of his whiny attitude. I realize I can't protect her from all the smut of the world, but I hope I can at least help her recognize bad behavior when she sees it.
- Liz Fabian