Saying No to certain movies

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Permalink Reply by Heidi Hess Saxton on July 12, 2009 at 7:51pm

Have you talked to the friend's mom, to get her take on this? She may not be aware of the sites you mention, and might appreciate knowing about the resource. Talk with her frankly -- but in a friendly way -- your concerns about your adolescent boys, and the temptations that are out there that you want to teach them how to avoid. Ask her if she has any thoughts about this.

Because of the presence of younger children in the house -- and the potential trickle-down effect, since kids tend to "pass on" ideas that they catch from media -- I think you are being prudent to take the cautious course. Having said that, your son is quickly reaching the age when you need to transition from "mom control" to "self control." Watching movies with your child -- and talking with them about what they see, and why it is a mark of maturity to "guard the eyes" for their own sake -- will help you both to make that transition successfully. You won't always be around to say "no." You want them to reach a place where they are making these good choices for themselves.

I wonder if this is a conversation that would best be done with your son and your husband -- his model in mature manhood. Does your husband share your concerns? Discuss this with him.

Permalink Reply by ViolinMama on July 14, 2009 at 12:31am

I hope to be able to respond more tomorrow....this is a great question. Thank you!

Permalink Reply by leanne maree osullivan on July 18, 2009 at 7:04am

I agree with you, keep the movies to 'G'. Our 11 year old is the youngest of 4. she is very careful, and actually so are our others for her purity. her purity of mind.
you are so right to have these views.
my eldest one, who is 21 now, recalled a day she was at a friends house and regrets the movie that she was exposed to. "it was too old for me mum, and i wished i had said no." So keep it up angie
leanne

Permalink Reply by Lea-Ann Virnig on July 18, 2009 at 11:31am

I totally agree with you! My oldest is 10 and it's a constant discussion in our house too. I am amazed with what some people - like you said good Christians - allow their children to watch. I don't know if they don't realize the strong influence movies and TV can have on their minds. Once an image or idea gets in their little minds it is there forever - it can not be erased! We talk to our older two boys that they have a responsibility to their younger siblings to help protect their minds and hearts just as we do to them. We also talk about how my husband and I don't watch certain movies because of content even though we "can". We have to practice what we preach! We did just invest in a Clearplay DVD player that edits out unacceptable content (language, violence, sexual content, blasphemy, etc.). However it doesn't mean we can watch whatever still because sometimes the plot line isn't appropriate but it has helped with doing family movie night. We are able to watch more PG movies that the boys enjoy without the questionable content that the movie industry likes to insert into every movie! We also use the reviews on pluggedinonline.com - they are so thorough in their reviews breaking all the aspects of the movie down. It's also a great resource in helping to protect our children's innocence and our own mind, soul and hearts!

Permalink Reply by leanne maree osullivan on July 18, 2009 at 10:26pm

It is something that we just were very insistant about, and the children accept that.
We ourselves will not expose ourselves to inappropriate viewing either.
We are moving house in the next 2 weeks, and we are actually packing one tv away. having a place for family, games chat etc. its been my dream for some time, and now we are all thinking the same way, its now an option, not a dream.

Permalink Reply by Abra Harrison-McHargue on July 27, 2009 at 3:34pm

I am very strict about what my children see. Most of my children's friends are allowed to watch and hear just about anything that they want!! I think it is my responsibility to keep my children, children. I have twin girls that are 10 and a little boy that is 6, I have found it is easier to make my house the hang out. We don't have to worry about what other parents allow.
At one time we let our daughters spend the night with a friend and her parents let all the kids watch Halloween!!! My girls were terrified, but they no longer ask why they can't watch the same thing as some of their classmates.

Permalink Reply by Pamela Karol on August 25, 2010 at 9:03am

You are absolutely right! I get so furious when I hear of the movies that some of my nephews & niece view. We are the parents and it is our job to keep our kids safe and that includes from things that can harm their soul and bring sin their way. If it weren't for my husband I would cancel cable today!! (I am not a prude either, I just don't feel that children's minds are able to weed through the muck as an adult can).