With the recent national address from President Thompson, the intention was to ease our worries about domestic terrorism while collaborating with global partners. However, as a parent, I felt more anxious than reassured. Each news segment reveals a troubling world filled with lone-wolf incidents, premeditated violence, and immense suffering. Living in America, often celebrated as ‘the land of the free and the brave,’ I suspect many parents would agree, as highlighted by a recent New York Times survey, that we currently feel anything but secure.
In a reality where visiting a mall or cinema means scouting exits for potential threats, or grappling with the chilling tales of radicalized individuals, we have traversed into an unsettling new normal. It’s as if we’ve stepped through a looking glass into a world fraught with fear. So, why not take our kids to watch a light-hearted movie where they can escape into a joyful fantasy? That was my intention… until it wasn’t.
Recently, I took my son to see the latest Pixar/Disney film, The Good Dinosaur. Although rated PG, much like Frozen—which my son adores—I quickly realized this film was far from innocent. The animation was stunning, featuring a relatable character in Arlo, a young dinosaur, and his human companion, Spot. Yet, as the story unfolded, I was taken aback by the heavy themes: the death of a parent, unsettling drug references, predatory creatures, and the raw violence of nature depicted through storms and disasters. It forced me to question my choice of film.
Halfway through, I found my 6-year-old in tears, sorrow streaming down as he whispered, “Daddy, he lost his daddy.” My heart broke as I comforted him, knowing the father’s death was unnecessary and poorly scripted—perishing while trying to teach his son bravery. The filmmakers then cruelly revisited this loss in a dream sequence, only to have the father fade away again.
You might think my child is overly sensitive, but he’s usually quite resilient. He didn’t flinch at the spooky ghosts in Harry Potter or when characters faced loss in Big Hero 6. While he did feel Mufasa’s death in The Lion King, he bounced back quickly, thanks to the film’s lighter moments and catchy songs. But this? This was different.
The message that life is tough might be accurate, but it’s not something I want my kids to grasp too soon. They will encounter the harsh realities of life eventually. For now, movies with intense themes of death, bullying, or violence are not suitable for young children.
As a parent, I dislike being emotionally manipulated, and I know children are especially vulnerable. I urge filmmakers to reconsider how they portray sensitive topics. While it’s perfectly fine for my son to show empathy—he often tears up at those heart-wrenching commercials with sad puppies looking for homes—he shouldn’t have to face such harsh realities when simply hoping for an enjoyable escape at the movies.
Moving forward, I plan to consult resources like Common Sense Media and Parent Previews before our movie outings. I’ll choose films that are free from trauma, such as The Peanuts Movie or the recent Alvin and the Chipmunks adventure.
In today’s world, where safety drills have become commonplace, keeping our children shielded from unnecessary pain and fear is perhaps the most valuable resolution we can make for the year ahead.
This post originally appeared on Home Insemination Kit.
For more insightful articles, check out our post on home insemination techniques or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on the topic. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In light of the overwhelming reality surrounding us, I’ve decided to steer clear of sad movies for my kids. After a disappointing experience with The Good Dinosaur, which featured heavy themes unsuitable for young viewers, I’m now committed to ensuring my children enjoy films that uplift rather than burden them. I encourage fellow parents to seek out resources to find appropriate content for their little ones.