Are you conflicted over which movies are appropriate for your kids? Do you find yourself prescreening or fast-forwarding certain scenes in children’s movie classics like Bambi, Snow White, and Lion King? They might have been your favourite movies when you were younger, but do you still find them too scary for your preschooler?
Many moms find some children’s movies too scary or too gloomy, for example on Mommyish Lindsay Cross writes “Call me overprotective if you must, but there are some Disney scenes that I just don’t think we’re ready for. I realize that Maleficent, as the fiery dragon, is a huge and important part of Sleeping Beauty. I’m not arguing that the movie should have been done differently. I just choose not to let me daughter see the more terrifying aspects of fire and brimstone. She’s four, after all. She’s just not ready for it.”
Or in this article from Babble Cole Gamble flatly states, “There are those who believe we must guard and protect children from the hurts and traumas of the big bad world for as long as possible. Then there are those people who believe we should toughen kids up by exposing them to and even pummeling them with terror and depravity. Those people become children’s filmmakers.”
Short-Term Effects of TV Violence
According to Media Awareness Network, children who watch violent, scary or high-action movies are likely to act more aggressively than normal shortly after seeing the film. Some children might like or find a certain character interesting and can imitate their behavior.
Some children (especially those with a great imagination!) are inspired to have nightmares from scary movies or frightening scenes. To help your child relax Kid’s Health recommends, “having a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down. A favorite toy, stuffed animal, night-light, or dream catcher can help too.”
Some children will not realize that the characters or the situations they see in a movie are not real. As a parent, talking to your children about the characters that they see in the films is essential. They can feel anxious because they cannot distinguish fantasy from possible reality. Talking about the differences between cartoons and real life stories can help them understand that they aren’t real.
Do you have a favorite movie that you can’t wait to watch with your children when they are older? Which scenes do you fast-forward? What’s your child’s favorite classic?
Use the comments below.
