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This Year, I’m Avoiding Sad Movies for My Kids by Claire Thompson for Cervical Insemination
In light of recent events and the constant barrage of unsettling news, I find myself more anxious than ever as a parent. The recent address from the President was meant to provide reassurance about our safety, but instead, it left me feeling more apprehensive. The evening news is inundated with reports of violence and tragedy, making it hard to feel secure in a country that prides itself on being “the land of the free.” If I were to survey fellow parents, I suspect I’d discover a shared sense of unease, similar to what the New York Times recently reported.
In a world where we’re conditioned to scan for exits in public places or hear about the alarming actions of individuals driven to violence, it feels as though we’ve stepped into a reality that’s both surreal and deeply unsettling. Given this backdrop, I initially thought taking my kids to a light-hearted movie would serve as a welcome escape. However, I quickly realized this was not the case.
Recently, I took my son to see the Pixar/Disney film The Good Dinosaur, a story that, on the surface, appeared to be a delightful adventure. Rated PG, I figured it would be suitable for my child, who adores films like Frozen. The animation was indeed stunning, and the main character, Arlo, and his companion, Spot, seemed relatable. Yet, as the story unfolded, I was taken aback by the intensity of the themes presented—loss, violence, and the harsh realities of nature—all of which are too much for young viewers.
Halfway through the film, I found my son in tears, his heart breaking as he whispered, “Daddy, he lost his daddy.” It was a moment that shattered my own heart. The father’s death was not even heroic; it was a tragic consequence of a storm, and the filmmakers cruelly brought him back only to vanish again. This emotional rollercoaster was not what I had signed up for.
Let me clarify: my child is not overly sensitive. He’s been unfazed by the darker moments in films like Harry Potter or Big Hero 6. However, this film crossed a line. If the intention is to teach resilience, I believe that message can be conveyed without subjecting children to such traumatic experiences.
As a parent, it’s painful to see our children manipulated by emotional storytelling, especially when they are so impressionable. While I appreciate the value of empathy—my son often tears up at heart-wrenching commercials featuring pets in need—I strongly believe that movies should not force children to grapple with such heavy themes during what should be a joyful outing.
Moving forward, I plan to be more vigilant about the films I choose for my kids. I’ll be consulting resources like Common Sense Media and Parent Previews to ensure we only watch family-friendly content. Films like The Peanuts Movie or Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip will be my go-to options for a fun, carefree experience.
In this day and age, where school safety drills have become a norm, it’s crucial to protect our children from unnecessary distress. Shielding them from the harsher realities of life can be one of the best resolutions we can adopt as parents.
Summary
In a time when our children are exposed to so much distressing news, it’s essential to ensure their entertainment remains light-hearted and free from unnecessary trauma. This year, I’m committed to choosing films that offer joy and escape rather than sadness and fear. Resources like Common Sense Media can help guide our choices, allowing us to focus on creating happy memories.
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