Over the past year or so, my girlfriend, my kids' father and I have spent considerable time dialoguing about what sorts of leisure time activities are "appropriate" for Alex and Simon. Now 8, the boys are increasingly advocating for some "kid time", a few hours a week where they get to decide what's on the social agenda.
In addition to activities being cheap or free, the adults in the equation have had several chats with the boys about "intellectual junk food" and its place in the grander scheme of things. Whereas the three of us agree that we don't want to be those "mean" parents who don't let their kids do anything "cool", we also don't see the purpose of condoning gratuitous violence, stereotyping of women and minority people groups and general stupidity. We want to encourage Alex and Simon -- as much as possible or reasonable for two 8-year-olds living in North America -- to consider how best to feed their minds in ways that will generate a net positive benefit to them and the world they live in.
In movies and television aimed at school-aged children in particular, it seems that over-the-top disrespect masquerading as “humour” has become the marketing tool of choice. Potty humour and stereotypes abound, even in so called “PG” movies.
I recently came across this site while researching a movie my boys are begging to see.
I’m thankful that not all the stuff out there is complete crap, and I appreciate websites like this one that can help parents and teachers to navigate the volumes of stuff that is!
In addition to activities being cheap or free, the adults in the equation have had several chats with the boys about "intellectual junk food" and its place in the grander scheme of things. Whereas the three of us agree that we don't want to be those "mean" parents who don't let their kids do anything "cool", we also don't see the purpose of condoning gratuitous violence, stereotyping of women and minority people groups and general stupidity. We want to encourage Alex and Simon -- as much as possible or reasonable for two 8-year-olds living in North America -- to consider how best to feed their minds in ways that will generate a net positive benefit to them and the world they live in.
In movies and television aimed at school-aged children in particular, it seems that over-the-top disrespect masquerading as “humour” has become the marketing tool of choice. Potty humour and stereotypes abound, even in so called “PG” movies.
I recently came across this site while researching a movie my boys are begging to see.
I’m thankful that not all the stuff out there is complete crap, and I appreciate websites like this one that can help parents and teachers to navigate the volumes of stuff that is!
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