Wondering if it's okay for your child to see 'The Hunger Games' (or other violent movies)?

So you've heard about the violence and scantily-clad teens fighting each other in The Hunger Games (like your child, maybe you've even read the book), and your wondering if it's appropriate for your child to view this much anticipated movie. According to this article, viewing The Hunger Games (or other violent movies) alongside your child, rather than shielding them or leaving them to view it on their own, is the best option. It has been proven that from an early age, children have the ability to determine fact from fiction. Watching the movie with your child will allow for a discussion afterward about the context of the violence and any underlying messages in the movie and how to address these in their own lives. In the case of 'The Hunger Games', if you determine it appropriate for your child, I recommend using this movie to address aggression (both your child's and others'), a normal, human condition.  Some questions you might ask yourself and your child include:

What's it like when we feel aggressive towards others? What are we telling ourselves? What could/ should we be telling ourselves? What are some appropriate and not appropriate options? What can you do when someone is aggressive towards you? 

Click here for the full article.

The Hunger Games Trailer

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

Intentionally,

Lisa

ps:  If you haven't had a chance to 'LIKE' my Facebook page, please head on over and click that button! Thank you!

One rated R movie you might want your child to see...

More on the important topic of BULLYING. This article by GreatSchools titled 'One rated R movie you might want your child to see' summarizes the harrowing content of a documentary set to release in theaters on March 30.

"The new documentary, Bully, captures a wicked picture of what’s really going on in schools: rampant bullying and the utter failure of adults to stop it."

"In fact, the obliviousness of adults and their failure to take bullying seriously is one of the most disturbing aspects of Bully. We witness graphic scenes from the violent frontlines of childhood, but when kids attempt to report back from the warzone of their daily lives, the adults fail, again and again, to get it. This bad behavior on the part of adults serves as an excellent talking point with your child — to build a bridge with them and make them understand you will never respond the same way. And it’s one of the strongest reasons to overlook the movie’s adults-only rating."

"For this reason, Bully may be the most important R-rated movie your children ever see. Each parent must decide what’s appropriate for their child, based on their temperament and age, but for this movie, don't make your decision based on the rating alone. After all, The Hunger Games, due out a week before Bully, is about children in sexy outfits slaughtering each other for the entertainment of the masses, and it garnered a mere PG-13." 

This movie received an R rating because of a few 'f-bombs' dropped by the kids (this rating is currently being challenged). After reading this article, I plan to take my kids to see this important message. Bullying is much more than 'kids being kids', and as adults, this message needs to start with us.

If you read the article or end up viewing the movie, I'd love to hear your input on this important topic that has gone seemingly unchecked for too long.

Intentionally,

Lisa

Uh-Oh, is Your Facebook-ing Creating a Narcissist??

I think it's important to take a moment to consider the impact of social media on children who aren't even old enough to have a say in whether their name and picture appears on Facebook. As parents, we drill into our children's brains the importance of carefully considering the future effects of every word and photo they upload to their social media sites.  We pride ourselves on being "on top of it". However, by creating an online presence for our children, many times before they've even uttered their first word, are we unintentionally "labeling" them and creating a perfect image that he or she may have difficulty living up to?? This article by the gals at SheKnows Parenting is a good read that urges parents to consider what it means to themselves and their children when every trophy, A+, and milestone (yes, even the potty training stage) is photographed and boasted about on FB. I agree with the article that being proud parents is healthy, but if your online presence is primarily linked to your children, it might be time to take a moment to consider how this can effect your children and to also look inward and get curious about what this online behavior means for you. I'd appreciate any feedback or thoughts about this article... it's a curious subject of which I'm not sure the longterm consequences are fully understood (positive and negative).

 Best,

Lisa