[beno]

Does any one else get annoyed to be in a PG-13 movie and see a 5 year old sitting a couple of seats away?

This has always bothered me, and even more so now that I'm an expectant father.. *grumble*

[oceanjewels21]

It's good that this bothers you. You won't be one of those parents that thinks if you just EXPLAIN it to the child then it's okay. I personally am a bit sick of people "explaining" their kids to death. There's nothing you can do. My husband and I feel the same way. So does his sister who was appaled to see children that young in Kill Bill. She says some were covering their eyes and crying. Sad isn't it. Don't worry you aren't the only one....deffinately not the only dad either.

Emily Amos

[babydawn]

I will sometimes allow my children who are under 13 to watch PG-13 movies, however, they are few and far between and my husband and I have to have watched them first and make that decision after seeing it. There are some PG movies though that I don't think children should watch (I don't allow my children to watch Ghostbusters because of the very sensual scene at the end). Also, different kids respond to different things. My kids LOVE the Harry Potter movies, but when I took them to see The Haunted Mansion (Disney, PG) they were very scared, and have never wanted to see it since.

[annharth]

I'm jumping into this discussion because it's been a real issue with me since my kids were old enough to want to see a movie. If I had a dollar for every time my son said "But everyone in my class has seen it"... We're talking about movies made for 15 and over. In Australia they're called 'M' for mature audiences.

I know many people scoff at the idea of violence in movies creating more violence in society. I don't think that watching a movie will turn a child into a lunatic. I do believe that consistent viewing of violence will desensitize out children so that human life (people they've never met) means very little more than a figure on a screen. Not only do I believe this with movies and TV but I also screen the news these days. These kids will be exposed to these things eventually. Why not wait until they've learned a little bit more about the positive things in life? Let them be kids!

[beth]

I have to deal with a mother-in-law who thinks it's fine to allow my 8 year old, and her cousins ranging from 11 down to 5, watch a movie designed for adults which featured oral sex in it, and included a ***** being bitten off. When confronted with her actions, she said that none of them would have understood it and it would have just gone over their heads!! I only found out about it because my daughter had a nightmare about it, then told us what the movie was. This mother-in-law told me I had a problem, even though I pointed out that the government censor had labelled the movie "adults only", not me. It's created enormous problems, as we now don't want our kids going to Grandma's for a sleepover for more of the same.
On the other hand, our local video shop owner will not rent out 15+ movies to any kid who doesn't look their age, unless accompanied by an adult. At least someone's keeping an eye out for our kids!!

[annharth]

It's quite common that some people think that kids 'don't understand'. I think kids are underestimated. They understand a lot and if they don't it may even be worse to have only a partial understanding. I am sorry about the situation with your m-i-l. very unfair to you. I've been in the position where parents show inappropriate movies at birthday parties. OK if they ask permission fist, but very bad move if they don't. I have to agree with you and would be extremely hesitant to let my kids stay with your m-i-l unless you received a promise that they would abide by your rules. You're the parent! Maybe you could send them over with a few videos?
These little minds are like blank slates and you never know what will affect them. I still remember some scary things I watched when I was little and remember how distressing it was. One time won't do lasting damage to your child, but it's good that you found out so that you can keep the situation under control.

[babydawn]

I just got back from seeing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and there was a 2 year old sitting in front of me. Now, having children myself, I can't imagine bringing my 7 year old to that movie, having read the book first, let alone my younger ones. I just hope that child isn't prone to nightmares.

[oceanjewels21]

My husband and I have not yet been able to seen it. We also have a 7 year old and as a rule do not allow her to watch anything above PG unless we've seen it first. If we think it's okay...we'll watch it with her. She really loves Pirates of the Carribean. Anyway, I'm glad to hear from another parent that it may not be suitable for younger ones. Thanks for the tip.

[babydawn]

My daughter who is also 7 loves Pirates of the Caribbean as well. I think what I don't like about Harry Potter for my kids is that there are parts in it that are very dark. If you have read the book, you know exactly what I am talking about.

[oceanjewels21]

Yes, I have read the book and do very much agree with you.....there ARE deffinately some dark parts.