Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Beyonce & Jay-Z Aim To Trademark Blue Ivy Carter
How A Smartphone App Could Help People With Depression
Lessons from pop culture
Filed under: Media, That's Entertainment
I'm pretty extreme in my views of what's acceptable for my kids to watch. Most so-called children's shows and movies are not suitable for small kids and most Disney stuff is right out. Even much of Pixar's work, as much as I love it, ought to, in my opinion, wait until the kids are older. (Cars, their latest offering, is a notable exception, in my book.) Of course, this doesn't mean my kids have never seen anything I thought was unacceptable. I'm not with them all the time and even I have not been as diligent as I think I ought to have.
One example of this is Toy Story. Both kids have watched Toy Story (and Toy Story II) many times. While I love both Toy Story movies, the violence and conflicts they show are, in my opinion, not appropriate for a two- and four-year-old. (Heck, Sid even scares me!) That said, there is a very valuable lesson Jared has learned from Toy Story.
There is a scene where Woody and Buzz, the main characters, are at a gas station and decided to stowaway on a Pizza Planet delivery truck. Buzz, ever the straight and narrow, climbs into the front seat and puts on his seatbelt. Woody, more concerned about not being seen, climbs into the back of the truck. Unfortunately, there are no seatbelts in the back. There is, however, a toolbox. While Buzz is safe and comfortable in the front, Woody gets bounced around in back and crushed by the toolbox. At the end of the ride, Buzz is fine and dandy while Woody is dazed and hurt.
Ever since he watched that, Jared has never given me any argument about wearing his seatbelt. I figure that was worth the other, inappropriate parts of the movie. So what other lessons are there to be learned from pop culture? What have your kids learned from unexpected sources?
One example of this is Toy Story. Both kids have watched Toy Story (and Toy Story II) many times. While I love both Toy Story movies, the violence and conflicts they show are, in my opinion, not appropriate for a two- and four-year-old. (Heck, Sid even scares me!) That said, there is a very valuable lesson Jared has learned from Toy Story.
There is a scene where Woody and Buzz, the main characters, are at a gas station and decided to stowaway on a Pizza Planet delivery truck. Buzz, ever the straight and narrow, climbs into the front seat and puts on his seatbelt. Woody, more concerned about not being seen, climbs into the back of the truck. Unfortunately, there are no seatbelts in the back. There is, however, a toolbox. While Buzz is safe and comfortable in the front, Woody gets bounced around in back and crushed by the toolbox. At the end of the ride, Buzz is fine and dandy while Woody is dazed and hurt.
Ever since he watched that, Jared has never given me any argument about wearing his seatbelt. I figure that was worth the other, inappropriate parts of the movie. So what other lessons are there to be learned from pop culture? What have your kids learned from unexpected sources?
YourVoice
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Have time for a girlfriend? Say he has a newborn things didnt work out w/the childs mother but he is there for the child 100% does he have time for so...
- Will Kim Kardashian Make a Good Mom?
- How can I help my 20 yr old son deal with being an unexpected father. He never wanted kids. I have known that for years. But accidents happen. Condoms...
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Learning Acceptance from Catholic and Hindu Parents - Bijoy Goswami
In Chapter 1 of 15, leadership philosopher Bijoy Goswami shares how his parents have taught him to be more accepting of other cultures.
-
How Parents Can Shape a Child's Sense of Adventure
In Chapter 14 of 21, world traveler Shaheen Wirk shares ideas on what cultivates valuing experience and adventure. For Wirk, it started with parents who prioritized cultural experience to open their children's minds to options available in life. Through his Ohio childhood, these cultural experiences, including an early abroad trip to Europe, illuminate Wirk's interests in travel and Shakespeare that ultimately take him on his own journey.
-
How Parents' Lives Inspire Son to Enjoy Life
In Chapter 8 of 14, stand-up comedian Matt Ruby learns to live in the moment from his parents experiences. Ruby shares how witnessing his parents' transition into a sedentary lifestyle, including his mother's long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, serves as a daily reminder to embrace each day. Ruby recalls his mother's passion exploring art and culture and father's willingness to emigrate from Israel to the United States.
-
Why Thinking Globally Matters in Influencer Culture
In Chapter 6 of 12 in his interview with host Erik Michielsen, media and publishing entrepreneur Phil McKenzie shares why he is taking his Influencer Conference business international in 2011. Building upon early childhood experience exploring culture, McKenzie learns the local limitations of understanding culture in a increasingly globalized and connected world. McKenzie puts an international plan in place to embrace the global and community nature of trendsetting and tastemaking.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
7-12-2006 @ 5:04PM
Jamie said...My 4-year-old daughter has also picked up the same type safety lesson from Dora, who often quips "So we can be safe!" on her many adventures. Caitlin will look at me and ask, "So we can be safe like Dora mommy?"
Reply