Movie suggestions?
three.moms
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
Karen Swanay
This may not be helpful...but are you watching in the dark and at night?
Have you tried during the day and with FULL lighting? Letting him color or
some such thing to help him deal with the movie? I know I don't like scary
movies at all and while your son and I might disagree about what is scary,
the emotion is the same. And I don't like it. So if I have to watch, I
want to know ahead of time who will die...or what will happen so I know what
to expect...and I want ALL the lights on. AND I'll likely be doing
something like coloring or crochet or something that will divert my
attention. It all helps me. Dunno if it will work for your son or not.
hth
Karen
Have you tried during the day and with FULL lighting? Letting him color or
some such thing to help him deal with the movie? I know I don't like scary
movies at all and while your son and I might disagree about what is scary,
the emotion is the same. And I don't like it. So if I have to watch, I
want to know ahead of time who will die...or what will happen so I know what
to expect...and I want ALL the lights on. AND I'll likely be doing
something like coloring or crochet or something that will divert my
attention. It all helps me. Dunno if it will work for your son or not.
hth
Karen
On Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 9:19 PM, three.moms <3mommies@...> wrote:
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
>
> .
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
We did Star Wars.? My kids got really into watching the "making of" dvd's for everything they watch...now, when something scary or unreal happens, even my 4 year old will mention that they must be using some sort of special effects and will say how cool it is.? Maybe start there?? Yoda scared my 6 y/o until he watched the making of movies, and Dobby (sp) is the only thing he's ever had nightmares about...and now he insists on watching those parts of HP because he understands the animation and special effects.? Have you explained to Ethan that the filmakers and screen writers WANT us to feel that way for those short periods of time?? Explain that the fear or whatever feeling comes up is ok and help him process it.? Turn it off to talk about it, or leave it on and talk about it, maybe that would help??
-----Original Message-----
From: three.moms <3mommies@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 10:19 pm
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
-----Original Message-----
From: three.moms <3mommies@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 10:19 pm
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Gwen
Megan (7) gets scared very easily. One of her favorite non-animated movies is Spaceballs. She also likes Star Wars (I think she's only seen the first one all the way through).
Ghostbusters didn't work for her either. I don't think she made it past the library ghost.
Can you fast forward some scenes for him? Megan loves dinosaurs and has seen parts of Jurassic Park. It is one of my favorite movies, so I know what is coming. We just cover her eyes (her request) and fast forward past the scary stuff. She has seen the dragons in the Harry Potter movie (she loves dragons), but not any other part of it.
Gwen
Ghostbusters didn't work for her either. I don't think she made it past the library ghost.
Can you fast forward some scenes for him? Megan loves dinosaurs and has seen parts of Jurassic Park. It is one of my favorite movies, so I know what is coming. We just cover her eyes (her request) and fast forward past the scary stuff. She has seen the dragons in the Harry Potter movie (she loves dragons), but not any other part of it.
Gwen
--- On Fri, 10/3/08, three.moms <3mommies@...> wrote:
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lisa austin
I guess I don't get it, why would you want him to watch them if he gets scared with these types of movies? Its not like he HAS to watch them right? Just wait until he goes to bed and then watch them.
Karen Swanay <luvbullbreeds@...> wrote: This may not be helpful...but are you watching in the dark and at night?
Have you tried during the day and with FULL lighting? Letting him color or
some such thing to help him deal with the movie? I know I don't like scary
movies at all and while your son and I might disagree about what is scary,
the emotion is the same. And I don't like it. So if I have to watch, I
want to know ahead of time who will die...or what will happen so I know what
to expect...and I want ALL the lights on. AND I'll likely be doing
something like coloring or crochet or something that will divert my
attention. It all helps me. Dunno if it will work for your son or not.
hth
Karen
Karen Swanay <luvbullbreeds@...> wrote: This may not be helpful...but are you watching in the dark and at night?
Have you tried during the day and with FULL lighting? Letting him color or
some such thing to help him deal with the movie? I know I don't like scary
movies at all and while your son and I might disagree about what is scary,
the emotion is the same. And I don't like it. So if I have to watch, I
want to know ahead of time who will die...or what will happen so I know what
to expect...and I want ALL the lights on. AND I'll likely be doing
something like coloring or crochet or something that will divert my
attention. It all helps me. Dunno if it will work for your son or not.
hth
Karen
On Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 9:19 PM, three.moms <3mommies@...> wrote:
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
>
> .
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tammy Brock
I know with my oldest son Jake (10), animated movies are scarier for him
than nonanimated ones. We do talk with him as he needs it but he loved Star
Wars(even episode 3) and was not scared. He seems to not enjoy the suspense
in lots of movies, it is what freaks him out. Having the space to run away
at times and then run back to watch more helps him a lot.
Tammy
_____
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of three.moms
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 10:19 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies. <http://3mommies.blogspot.com> blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
than nonanimated ones. We do talk with him as he needs it but he loved Star
Wars(even episode 3) and was not scared. He seems to not enjoy the suspense
in lots of movies, it is what freaks him out. Having the space to run away
at times and then run back to watch more helps him a lot.
Tammy
_____
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of three.moms
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 10:19 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies. <http://3mommies.blogspot.com> blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Oct 3, 2008, at 10:19 PM, three.moms wrote:
the goal to watch a bit until he feels uncomfortable. Put him in the
driver's seat. Let him fast forward, stop, take a break, set the
movie aside until next year. Do reassure him that it's perfectly
fine with you.
The idea of watching during the day is good. But if he wants to watch
at night, maybe don't make the movie the plan for the evening. Make
some other activity the plan (or a movie or show you know he's
comfortable with) and then watch a bit of a live action movie before
the other activity. (You don't need a plan for the evening, of
course, but he might be the type who likes plans but then feels a bit
trapped by a plan and doesn't know how to bail if there's nothing
else to fall back on.)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., butRather than the goal of watching a whole movie straight through, make
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off.
the goal to watch a bit until he feels uncomfortable. Put him in the
driver's seat. Let him fast forward, stop, take a break, set the
movie aside until next year. Do reassure him that it's perfectly
fine with you.
The idea of watching during the day is good. But if he wants to watch
at night, maybe don't make the movie the plan for the evening. Make
some other activity the plan (or a movie or show you know he's
comfortable with) and then watch a bit of a live action movie before
the other activity. (You don't need a plan for the evening, of
course, but he might be the type who likes plans but then feels a bit
trapped by a plan and doesn't know how to bail if there's nothing
else to fall back on.)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
Those movies are a lot of tension. Are there live action films he might enjoy that aren't so tense? Things like Whale Rider or The Cave of Yellow Dog or Bedknobs and Broomsticks or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (which does have tension, but it's slower and doesn't build so high) or 7 Brides for 7 Brothers or Oklahoma or Grease or, or, or.... There is a rhythm to movies and it helps to be able to anticipate that rhythm. If you start with less
It's also really cool to be able to pause and walk away. Maybe when you feel his tension growing, suggest stopping the movie for a bit and making popcorn and drinks and moving for a few minutes away from the movie. You be the one to pause the film, don't always wait for him to do it, particularly if this is some sort of challenge to his self image. Do other things during the movie. Play a board game, play with hama beads or lego or something else so that the movie isn't the only focus.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
----- Original Message ----
From: three.moms <3mommies@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, 4 October, 2008 3:19:16 AM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies. blogspot. com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
It's also really cool to be able to pause and walk away. Maybe when you feel his tension growing, suggest stopping the movie for a bit and making popcorn and drinks and moving for a few minutes away from the movie. You be the one to pause the film, don't always wait for him to do it, particularly if this is some sort of challenge to his self image. Do other things during the movie. Play a board game, play with hama beads or lego or something else so that the movie isn't the only focus.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
----- Original Message ----
From: three.moms <3mommies@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, 4 October, 2008 3:19:16 AM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies. blogspot. com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Meredith
--- In [email protected], "three.moms"
<3mommies@...> wrote:
to watch it in another language - sometimes with subtitles,
sometimes not. Another is to turn the sound waaaaaaaay down, since
part of what creates tension in movies is the music and sound
effects. Another is to watch the movie out of sequence, which is
easiest with dvds - she'll go to the scene menu and choose a picture
that looks interesting. Another strategy she has is to look at any
extras, play any related games, watch lots of previews and *then*
try one of her other strategies.
time to time - when one of them is struggling with somethng I don't,
usually, or my grownup strategies just don't apply to young people.
They like to hear what other kids, especially other unschoolers, do
to solve problems.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
<3mommies@...> wrote:
>animated
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.Mo has some strategies for watching movies she finds scary. One is
to watch it in another language - sometimes with subtitles,
sometimes not. Another is to turn the sound waaaaaaaay down, since
part of what creates tension in movies is the music and sound
effects. Another is to watch the movie out of sequence, which is
easiest with dvds - she'll go to the scene menu and choose a picture
that looks interesting. Another strategy she has is to look at any
extras, play any related games, watch lots of previews and *then*
try one of her other strategies.
> I hate it that he gets all excited and thenbecause
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him
> he's scared.I've told my kids stories from this and other unschooling lists from
time to time - when one of them is struggling with somethng I don't,
usually, or my grownup strategies just don't apply to young people.
They like to hear what other kids, especially other unschoolers, do
to solve problems.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
Lisa
My first suggestion would be to widen your thinking about what you
assume he will freak out about.... I have a 7 yr old that gets freaked
out by Halloweentown but sits happily through all the Harry Potters,
Lord of the Rings, Star Wars etc!! I have a hard time predicting
what might scare or freak him out versus what actually does!
Sometimes things that seem very similar to me affect him
differently... I wonder if looking at some of the movie review
websites might be helpful if he is able to articulate what exactly
bothered him about the movie. My son can not watch someone else throw
up in a movie... even if they are discreet or totally fake it just
sends him into the gags!! Also aliens make him really nervous and
scared! He loves Indiana Jones but we did not see the last one after
his sister reported that aliens were involved... he's had some time to
digest that information and is considering trying to watch it soon.
I make sure that he knows going into any movie that if he gets scared
and wants to opt out that is fine with no judgment. Sometimes he will
come and cuddle his way through something that scares him a little and
we talk about it and offer to stop the movie and he decides what he
wants to do. Also... Ghost Busters freaks me out but my son thinks
it's hilarious so I am with your son on that one! HA! You might try
some movies like Beethoven (about a bunch of St Bernards that a family
owns), some of the older Disney movies that are people but funny
stories, Hoot, Holes, Home Alone, Nim's Island, I can't think of more
right now but maybe if you go with some that are funny and have some
level of suspense he will get his need for more mature movies met but
not be frightened or freaked out. If I think of more I will email more!
Lisa B
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
assume he will freak out about.... I have a 7 yr old that gets freaked
out by Halloweentown but sits happily through all the Harry Potters,
Lord of the Rings, Star Wars etc!! I have a hard time predicting
what might scare or freak him out versus what actually does!
Sometimes things that seem very similar to me affect him
differently... I wonder if looking at some of the movie review
websites might be helpful if he is able to articulate what exactly
bothered him about the movie. My son can not watch someone else throw
up in a movie... even if they are discreet or totally fake it just
sends him into the gags!! Also aliens make him really nervous and
scared! He loves Indiana Jones but we did not see the last one after
his sister reported that aliens were involved... he's had some time to
digest that information and is considering trying to watch it soon.
I make sure that he knows going into any movie that if he gets scared
and wants to opt out that is fine with no judgment. Sometimes he will
come and cuddle his way through something that scares him a little and
we talk about it and offer to stop the movie and he decides what he
wants to do. Also... Ghost Busters freaks me out but my son thinks
it's hilarious so I am with your son on that one! HA! You might try
some movies like Beethoven (about a bunch of St Bernards that a family
owns), some of the older Disney movies that are people but funny
stories, Hoot, Holes, Home Alone, Nim's Island, I can't think of more
right now but maybe if you go with some that are funny and have some
level of suspense he will get his need for more mature movies met but
not be frightened or freaked out. If I think of more I will email more!
Lisa B
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
>
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>
hamsder clan
Hi,
My daughter Larkin (only 3.5, but some of her techniques might be
relevant) has been very into fear as a concept for the last six months
or so. She has never been willing to go into another part of the house
alone due to fear (she will occasionally try if it will be a few
seconds before I can go with her and will come running back
immediately saying she heard a a noise that sounded like a very large
animal, or whatever). She is amazingly social, however, and I think
that may play as big a role in that particular behavior as anything
else.
Anyway, she started being *really* interested in "scary" books and
movies, and it seems to me that this is part of how she is working out
her own fear issues. For a while, she always had the mute button under
her finger the first time she watched a movie, and that seemed to make
all the difference in scary parts. If it was still too much for her,
she would hide under a blanket and ask one of us to tell her when that
part was over. The wizard duel scene in "Sword in the Stone" comes to
mind. Usually by the third time she watched she wouldn't even bother
muting it anymore.
As time goes on, she is more and more interested in movies with brave
characters (especially kids) rather than movies that are just kind of
scary. Her latest favorite is "My Neighbor Totoro," and I have to say
that I agree. :) The main characters come up against all sorts of
potentially freaky situations and usually plunge ahead roaring only to
discover most scary seeming things are quite benign, or even friendly.
I'm a big Miazaki fan in general, but this one definitely seemed to be
exactly what Larkin needed right now.
Of course, now we're starting to run into trouble when Larkin wants to
watch something "scary" and it is too much for her little brother,
Finn (1.5). Thank goodness he still naps!
Anyway, there are our experiences... I've also told Larkin anecdotes
about other unschooled kids as Meredith mentions and it does sometimes
work much better than my personal experiences. :)
All the best,
jenny
My daughter Larkin (only 3.5, but some of her techniques might be
relevant) has been very into fear as a concept for the last six months
or so. She has never been willing to go into another part of the house
alone due to fear (she will occasionally try if it will be a few
seconds before I can go with her and will come running back
immediately saying she heard a a noise that sounded like a very large
animal, or whatever). She is amazingly social, however, and I think
that may play as big a role in that particular behavior as anything
else.
Anyway, she started being *really* interested in "scary" books and
movies, and it seems to me that this is part of how she is working out
her own fear issues. For a while, she always had the mute button under
her finger the first time she watched a movie, and that seemed to make
all the difference in scary parts. If it was still too much for her,
she would hide under a blanket and ask one of us to tell her when that
part was over. The wizard duel scene in "Sword in the Stone" comes to
mind. Usually by the third time she watched she wouldn't even bother
muting it anymore.
As time goes on, she is more and more interested in movies with brave
characters (especially kids) rather than movies that are just kind of
scary. Her latest favorite is "My Neighbor Totoro," and I have to say
that I agree. :) The main characters come up against all sorts of
potentially freaky situations and usually plunge ahead roaring only to
discover most scary seeming things are quite benign, or even friendly.
I'm a big Miazaki fan in general, but this one definitely seemed to be
exactly what Larkin needed right now.
Of course, now we're starting to run into trouble when Larkin wants to
watch something "scary" and it is too much for her little brother,
Finn (1.5). Thank goodness he still naps!
Anyway, there are our experiences... I've also told Larkin anecdotes
about other unschooled kids as Meredith mentions and it does sometimes
work much better than my personal experiences. :)
All the best,
jenny
On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 7:48 AM, Meredith <meredith@...> wrote:
> I've told my kids stories from this and other unschooling lists from
> time to time - when one of them is struggling with somethng I don't,
> usually, or my grownup strategies just don't apply to young people.
> They like to hear what other kids, especially other unschoolers, do
> to solve problems.
>
> ---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
Meredith
--- In [email protected], lisa austin
<lisaluaustin@...> wrote:
them right? Just wait until he goes to bed and then watch them.
*********************
I believe the issue is that he's the one who wants to watch them. I've
gone through that Mo a few times - she'll see one scene or fall in love
with a character and be all fired up to watch the movie, only to
discover its scarier to her than she expected. That doesn't always
change her desire to watch the movie, though! Happily she's very
creative about finding ways to do that.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
<lisaluaustin@...> wrote:
>gets scared with these types of movies? Its not like he HAS to watch
> I guess I don't get it, why would you want him to watch them if he
them right? Just wait until he goes to bed and then watch them.
*********************
I believe the issue is that he's the one who wants to watch them. I've
gone through that Mo a few times - she'll see one scene or fall in love
with a character and be all fired up to watch the movie, only to
discover its scarier to her than she expected. That doesn't always
change her desire to watch the movie, though! Happily she's very
creative about finding ways to do that.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
Faith Void
*I* still hide my eyes or walk out for stuff that scares me. My dh and my
kids will tell me (if they know) when a part that might scare me is on. They
will tell me however specifically that I need what happens so I can decide
if I want to see it. Sometimes I need to know exactly what happens to feel
comfortable in a movie other times I want the surprise. I also don't always
watch movies all the way through. Sometimes it is just too much. Sometimes
my kids don't either.
Faith
kids will tell me (if they know) when a part that might scare me is on. They
will tell me however specifically that I need what happens so I can decide
if I want to see it. Sometimes I need to know exactly what happens to feel
comfortable in a movie other times I want the surprise. I also don't always
watch movies all the way through. Sometimes it is just too much. Sometimes
my kids don't either.
Faith
On Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:19 PM, three.moms <3mommies@...> wrote:
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>
>
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Pamela Sorooshian
Some possible movies that are adult but low on the scary factor.
Apollo 13
Bend it Like Beckham
Benny and Joon
Beverly Hillbillies
Blues Brothers
Bruce Almighty
Cheaper By the Dozen
City Slickers
Contact
Mighty Ducks
Elf
Ever After
Father of the Bride 1 and 2
Fever Pitch
Finding Forrester
Fly Away Home
Free Willy
Groundhog Day
I am Sam
The Indian in the Cupboard
A League of their Own
Leap of Faith
Legally Blond
Legend of Bagger Vance
Look Who's Talking Now
Little Women
Lorenzo's Oil
Matilda
Meet the Robinsons
Mr. Bean's Holiday
Mrs. Doubtfire
October Sky
The Parent Trap
Patch Adams
Remember the Titans
Rudy
Santa Clause
School of Rock
Searching for Bobby Fisher
The Secret Garden
Sister Act
Spy Kids (and sequels)
Strictly Ballroom
The Truman Show
The Wedding Planner
Wild Thornberrys
Zeus and Roxanne
Apollo 13
Bend it Like Beckham
Benny and Joon
Beverly Hillbillies
Blues Brothers
Bruce Almighty
Cheaper By the Dozen
City Slickers
Contact
Mighty Ducks
Elf
Ever After
Father of the Bride 1 and 2
Fever Pitch
Finding Forrester
Fly Away Home
Free Willy
Groundhog Day
I am Sam
The Indian in the Cupboard
A League of their Own
Leap of Faith
Legally Blond
Legend of Bagger Vance
Look Who's Talking Now
Little Women
Lorenzo's Oil
Matilda
Meet the Robinsons
Mr. Bean's Holiday
Mrs. Doubtfire
October Sky
The Parent Trap
Patch Adams
Remember the Titans
Rudy
Santa Clause
School of Rock
Searching for Bobby Fisher
The Secret Garden
Sister Act
Spy Kids (and sequels)
Strictly Ballroom
The Truman Show
The Wedding Planner
Wild Thornberrys
Zeus and Roxanne
Pamela Sorooshian
On Oct 5, 2008, at 10:51 AM, Pamela Sorooshian wrote:
material, by the way. I meant that we adults in my family enjoy them,
but some are technically movies made for kids, like Matilda and Spy
Kids, I suppose.
-pam
> Some possible movies that are adult but low on the scary factor.I didn't mean "adult" in the sense that they contain adult-level
material, by the way. I meant that we adults in my family enjoy them,
but some are technically movies made for kids, like Matilda and Spy
Kids, I suppose.
-pam
swissarmy_wife
In our house we have kept the lights on sometimes. But what has
always helped the most was talking through the movie. He knew that I
was always ready to pause the movie and answer his who, what, where,
how type questions. Knowing exactly how a movie is made really helped
him remind himself that what he is watching is not real.
However, I will say, for a child who rarely ever gets scared
Ghostbusters caused nightmares and he wouldn't go upstairs alone or
open the fridge for weeks. I remember watching Ghostbusters when I
was his age. In fact it was very popular with kids my age at the
time. Maybe the social aspect of it being popular was what helped me.
Not sure.
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
always helped the most was talking through the movie. He knew that I
was always ready to pause the movie and answer his who, what, where,
how type questions. Knowing exactly how a movie is made really helped
him remind himself that what he is watching is not real.
However, I will say, for a child who rarely ever gets scared
Ghostbusters caused nightmares and he wouldn't go upstairs alone or
open the fridge for weeks. I remember watching Ghostbusters when I
was his age. In fact it was very popular with kids my age at the
time. Maybe the social aspect of it being popular was what helped me.
Not sure.
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
>
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>
almadoing
How about some good old English non scary films such as Lassie or The
Railway Children or The Secret Garden or Babe all of which my DS (6)
loves and watches over and over. There is tension and drama but no
gratuitous scary stuff. We also enjoy feature length documentaries
about things like lions and sharks. Scary if you're a gazelle or a
fish, dramatic and fascinating if you're a child.
Alison
DH, DS1 (6) and DS2 (3)
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
Railway Children or The Secret Garden or Babe all of which my DS (6)
loves and watches over and over. There is tension and drama but no
gratuitous scary stuff. We also enjoy feature length documentaries
about things like lions and sharks. Scary if you're a gazelle or a
fish, dramatic and fascinating if you're a child.
Alison
DH, DS1 (6) and DS2 (3)
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
>animated
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.Incredibles,
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it'shim.
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked
>but
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc.,
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and thenwatch.
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>
Deborah
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very
easily.
>We recently let our 4 year old watch The Princess Bride
without "complications" or nightmares.
[email protected]
thanks for the great list!
-----Original Message-----
From: Pamela Sorooshian <pamsoroosh@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 1:51 pm
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Some possible movies that are adult but low on the scary factor.
Apollo 13
Bend it Like Beckham
Benny and Joon
Beverly Hillbillies
Blues Brothers
Bruce Almighty
Cheaper By the Dozen
City Slickers
Contact
Mighty Ducks
Elf
Ever After
Father of the Bride 1 and 2
Fever Pitch
Finding Forrester
Fly Away Home
Free Willy
Groundhog Day
I am Sam
The Indian in the Cupboard
A League of their Own
Leap of Faith
Legally Blond
Legend of Bagger Vance
Look Who's Talking Now
Little Women
Lorenzo's Oil
Matilda
Meet the Robinsons
Mr. Bean's Holiday
Mrs. Doubtfire
October Sky
The Parent Trap
Patch Adams
Remember the Titans
Rudy
Santa Clause
School of Rock
Searching for Bobby Fisher
The Secret Garden
Sister Act
Spy Kids (and sequels)
Strictly Ballroom
The Truman Show
The Wedding Planner
Wild Thornberrys
Zeus and Roxanne
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
-----Original Message-----
From: Pamela Sorooshian <pamsoroosh@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 1:51 pm
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Movie suggestions?
Some possible movies that are adult but low on the scary factor.
Apollo 13
Bend it Like Beckham
Benny and Joon
Beverly Hillbillies
Blues Brothers
Bruce Almighty
Cheaper By the Dozen
City Slickers
Contact
Mighty Ducks
Elf
Ever After
Father of the Bride 1 and 2
Fever Pitch
Finding Forrester
Fly Away Home
Free Willy
Groundhog Day
I am Sam
The Indian in the Cupboard
A League of their Own
Leap of Faith
Legally Blond
Legend of Bagger Vance
Look Who's Talking Now
Little Women
Lorenzo's Oil
Matilda
Meet the Robinsons
Mr. Bean's Holiday
Mrs. Doubtfire
October Sky
The Parent Trap
Patch Adams
Remember the Titans
Rudy
Santa Clause
School of Rock
Searching for Bobby Fisher
The Secret Garden
Sister Act
Spy Kids (and sequels)
Strictly Ballroom
The Truman Show
The Wedding Planner
Wild Thornberrys
Zeus and Roxanne
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Three Mommies
Oh, no. It's that I want him to watch them. It's that *he wants *to watch
them. Most of the ones he wants to see are ones I've already seen ;)
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
them. Most of the ones he wants to see are ones I've already seen ;)
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 9:58 PM, lisa austin <lisaluaustin@...> wrote:
> I guess I don't get it, why would you want him to watch them if he gets
> scared with these types of movies? Its not like he HAS to watch them right?
> Just wait until he goes to bed and then watch them.
>
> K
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Therese
I haven't read all of the replies, but have you watched "Nim's Island
<http://www.nimsisland.com/> "? Its a great movie about an 11 year old
(unschooled!) girl who is raised on a deserted island with her scientist
father. The father gets caught in a storm, but I don't think it would
be *too* scary at all. Its got lots of animals and adventures.
Anyway, my 4 year old just saw this and LOVED it. Its PG.
Blessings,
Therese
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
<http://www.nimsisland.com/> "? Its a great movie about an 11 year old
(unschooled!) girl who is raised on a deserted island with her scientist
father. The father gets caught in a storm, but I don't think it would
be *too* scary at all. Its got lots of animals and adventures.
Anyway, my 4 year old just saw this and LOVED it. Its PG.
Blessings,
Therese
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>
Mara
My sons have also enjoyed movies like Milo and Otis (friendship about real-life cat and dog and their adventures, no people and not scary). Also A Kid in King Arthur's Court.
I do have to mention that Star Wars (at least 4 and 5 and 1) was not at all scary for my then 5.5 y.o. Cinderella was. He still does not want to see it. AFter watching the Star Wars Trilogy for the first time with me he did not want to see it again for a year or so. It satisfied his curiosity. Now he will sometimes watch parts of one. Usually he does not make it through a whole movie. He will watch a little, build some legos, play with toys etc. while doing it. Usually we have a lot of other things going on when watching movies, unless it is something we REALLY want to pay attention to.
It might be hard to keep it casual if it is something he has long wanted to do and it is a big deal. Otherwise, maybe just say, watch as much as you like and when it becomes scary we can turn it off, or fast-forward - my older son would sometimes leave the room when parts got scary and told me to call him back in when they are over. Sometimes he asked me to fast-forward certain parts. Or mute those parts and hide behind a ready-made fortress. We did read the Star Wars stories a lot in bed and there were a lot of movie pictures in it, so by the time he saw them (and after) he sort of knew what to expect by hearing and talking about it, once we watched something about the making of etc.
Our local science museum (Boston) has a model of Anakin's ship and a whole model making section, so we could talk a lot about how models in movies. Another fun thing to watch for my sons are Lego movies online. And soon, make them. If you have a video camera you can make your own short movies and talk about how you could make things look real even if they are not (blood is a fun one -). If you have a little toy R2D2, how could you make a desert landscape and have him 'walk' through so it would look as if he was true to size?
Hope some of this helps -
Mara
I do have to mention that Star Wars (at least 4 and 5 and 1) was not at all scary for my then 5.5 y.o. Cinderella was. He still does not want to see it. AFter watching the Star Wars Trilogy for the first time with me he did not want to see it again for a year or so. It satisfied his curiosity. Now he will sometimes watch parts of one. Usually he does not make it through a whole movie. He will watch a little, build some legos, play with toys etc. while doing it. Usually we have a lot of other things going on when watching movies, unless it is something we REALLY want to pay attention to.
It might be hard to keep it casual if it is something he has long wanted to do and it is a big deal. Otherwise, maybe just say, watch as much as you like and when it becomes scary we can turn it off, or fast-forward - my older son would sometimes leave the room when parts got scary and told me to call him back in when they are over. Sometimes he asked me to fast-forward certain parts. Or mute those parts and hide behind a ready-made fortress. We did read the Star Wars stories a lot in bed and there were a lot of movie pictures in it, so by the time he saw them (and after) he sort of knew what to expect by hearing and talking about it, once we watched something about the making of etc.
Our local science museum (Boston) has a model of Anakin's ship and a whole model making section, so we could talk a lot about how models in movies. Another fun thing to watch for my sons are Lego movies online. And soon, make them. If you have a video camera you can make your own short movies and talk about how you could make things look real even if they are not (blood is a fun one -). If you have a little toy R2D2, how could you make a desert landscape and have him 'walk' through so it would look as if he was true to size?
Hope some of this helps -
Mara
>
>
> --- In [email protected],
> "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to
> watch non-animated
> > movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared
> very easily.
> > Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It
> seemed like a
> > safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few
> ghosts and the
> > stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He
> didn't get scared. He
> > said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried
> The Incredibles,
> > but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out
> and it's
> > animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort
> of freaked him.
> >
> > He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star
> Wars, etc., but
> > I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all
> excited and then
> > gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it
> turned off. He
> > feels bad about it and like there's something
> wrong with him because
> > he's scared. I really want to help him watch
> things he wants to watch.
> >
> > Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
> >
> > Peace,
> > Jean Elizabeth
> >
> > http://3mommies.blogspot.com
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sarah
I have a 12yo ds that loves movies like Predator, Alien, The Thing etc.
but for some reason can't handle the R.O.U.S.'s in The Princess Bride.
They really scare him. Sometimes it's hard to know what your child
will be able to handle and what will be too much for them. I think
watching in the morning or early in the day hours helps a lot.
but for some reason can't handle the R.O.U.S.'s in The Princess Bride.
They really scare him. Sometimes it's hard to know what your child
will be able to handle and what will be too much for them. I think
watching in the morning or early in the day hours helps a lot.
--- In [email protected], "Deborah" <xiezmom@...> wrote:
>
> > Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-
> animated movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very
> easily.
> >
> We recently let our 4 year old watch The Princess Bride
> without "complications" or nightmares.
>
carenkh
I used to go to Screen-It http://www.screenit.com/ - they give very,
very detailed descriptions of what happens in each movie, without a
religious undertone like some sites have. Evan was very sensitive
about what he watched - he'd run and hide at the "Where's Spot?" video
when the kitty hissed! I could go to that site, and I'd read him what
was there, and he'd decide whether to watch or not, with my input. It
does give away plot sometimes in doing that, but that didn't seem to
matter so much. Now that he's older, he'll pretty much watch anything
- even stuff *I'm* too sensitive for. I see that now screenit has
changed to a subscriber basis, but you can scroll down and say "no
thanks" and still get access to a lot of the content.
Caren
very detailed descriptions of what happens in each movie, without a
religious undertone like some sites have. Evan was very sensitive
about what he watched - he'd run and hide at the "Where's Spot?" video
when the kitty hissed! I could go to that site, and I'd read him what
was there, and he'd decide whether to watch or not, with my input. It
does give away plot sometimes in doing that, but that didn't seem to
matter so much. Now that he's older, he'll pretty much watch anything
- even stuff *I'm* too sensitive for. I see that now screenit has
changed to a subscriber basis, but you can scroll down and say "no
thanks" and still get access to a lot of the content.
Caren
k
Whereas that's not true for my 5 year old. My mileage varied, I think
because I wasn't there watching it with him. I think he got a wrong
impression about something.
Just so you know, I'm not poo pooing the movie. It's one of my absolute
favorites. Reeeeally great stuff.
~Katherine
because I wasn't there watching it with him. I think he got a wrong
impression about something.
Just so you know, I'm not poo pooing the movie. It's one of my absolute
favorites. Reeeeally great stuff.
~Katherine
On 10/5/08, Deborah <xiezmom@...> wrote:
> > Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-
> animated movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very
> easily.
> >
> We recently let our 4 year old watch The Princess Bride
> without "complications" or nightmares.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lyeping2008
Hi There,
Since he's 4 yrs old, my now 8 yrs old kid's afraid of the dark and
any sort of mask, so Halloween is a touchy time and subject. But given
time and patience, he's learning to overcome it on his own.
My kid's afraid of all those wax models you get in a musuem, so when
he asked to go to the Madame Tussaud last year, we knew he was trying
to work out his own fears. He's still is vary of them, infact just a
few weeks ago, we hd to leave the musuem we're in because he got
spooked by a scary looking wax model of an agressive looking Queen
Bodica.
We had to leave 10 minutes into 10,000 BC because son was too scared
LOL! My kid has yet to watch any of the Pirates of the Carribean
movies- the scary face/mask factor again.
But he amazed me when he sat thru his first Star Wars movie in the
cinema, considering it's dark and a very long movie and Darth Vader is
in a scary mask! LOL!
Anyway, here's to add onto Pam's awesome list.
All time favourite - Sound of Music.
Howabout a sing-along with the new Mamma Mia?
Polar Express
Alvin and the Chipmunk
Free Willy
Meerkat Manor - a documnetary series showcasing the lives and hierachy
of the meerkats. Very cute and entertaining. You can check it out on
Youtube, and the full series is available thru amazon.com.
YouTube - The Forbidden City- a series of re-enacted documentary on
ancient china's rulers.
Bi-centennial Man - Robin William playing a gentle loving home robot
who eventually turned into man. A feel good movie. If your kid's
afraid of a fullsize metal walking thing, then this might not be the
right move. Surprisingly, my kid watched this considering a talking
metal face can be scary. i suppose when the metal face's attached to a
full metal body, it's no longer classified as a scary mask.
Penelope - the girl with a pig nose. A fairy tale story about a pretty
girl with an old family curse. Again, for my son, the mask factor is
overlooked because it's an actual face.
HellBoy 1 - Again, success for us despite HellBoy's scary looks. But I
suspect it's the scene when Hellboy was first discovered, a monkey-
like baby creature that was friendly and vulnerable. I think my son's
made a connection with this scene somehow, so Hellboy wasn't so scary
for him afterall. No throwing up scenes as far as I can remember, but
lots of smashing and fast actions.
March to Glory, the story about the 300 spartans. It's ancient warfare
with lots of fighting and blood and human-relations and strategies.
For us, there was a purpose in watching it. My kid was playing this
game on his psp, so by watching it, it brought to life what he was
doing in his game. Again, he wasn't frightened off by the face masks,
and there's quite a number of them in this movie.
Rush Hour 1 and 2- i know it's has rude language in it, but it's
hillarious (more for me and hubby's benefit) and has lots of stunts
(for son's benefit). My kid's into martial arts. So he's into any kung
fu movies, especially Jackie Chan and Jet Li's.
So by now writing this, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a pattern
here, that when we're watching something with a "purpose to
understand", other than just entertainment, maybe it provided DS with
a focus, away from his fear factor? Maybe this might work for your
kid?
I'm sure I've got lots more movies in my brain but then, my brain's
not working today LOL! I hope this helps.
Hugs and best wishes to everyone,
SharonBugs.
Since he's 4 yrs old, my now 8 yrs old kid's afraid of the dark and
any sort of mask, so Halloween is a touchy time and subject. But given
time and patience, he's learning to overcome it on his own.
My kid's afraid of all those wax models you get in a musuem, so when
he asked to go to the Madame Tussaud last year, we knew he was trying
to work out his own fears. He's still is vary of them, infact just a
few weeks ago, we hd to leave the musuem we're in because he got
spooked by a scary looking wax model of an agressive looking Queen
Bodica.
We had to leave 10 minutes into 10,000 BC because son was too scared
LOL! My kid has yet to watch any of the Pirates of the Carribean
movies- the scary face/mask factor again.
But he amazed me when he sat thru his first Star Wars movie in the
cinema, considering it's dark and a very long movie and Darth Vader is
in a scary mask! LOL!
Anyway, here's to add onto Pam's awesome list.
All time favourite - Sound of Music.
Howabout a sing-along with the new Mamma Mia?
Polar Express
Alvin and the Chipmunk
Free Willy
Meerkat Manor - a documnetary series showcasing the lives and hierachy
of the meerkats. Very cute and entertaining. You can check it out on
Youtube, and the full series is available thru amazon.com.
YouTube - The Forbidden City- a series of re-enacted documentary on
ancient china's rulers.
Bi-centennial Man - Robin William playing a gentle loving home robot
who eventually turned into man. A feel good movie. If your kid's
afraid of a fullsize metal walking thing, then this might not be the
right move. Surprisingly, my kid watched this considering a talking
metal face can be scary. i suppose when the metal face's attached to a
full metal body, it's no longer classified as a scary mask.
Penelope - the girl with a pig nose. A fairy tale story about a pretty
girl with an old family curse. Again, for my son, the mask factor is
overlooked because it's an actual face.
HellBoy 1 - Again, success for us despite HellBoy's scary looks. But I
suspect it's the scene when Hellboy was first discovered, a monkey-
like baby creature that was friendly and vulnerable. I think my son's
made a connection with this scene somehow, so Hellboy wasn't so scary
for him afterall. No throwing up scenes as far as I can remember, but
lots of smashing and fast actions.
March to Glory, the story about the 300 spartans. It's ancient warfare
with lots of fighting and blood and human-relations and strategies.
For us, there was a purpose in watching it. My kid was playing this
game on his psp, so by watching it, it brought to life what he was
doing in his game. Again, he wasn't frightened off by the face masks,
and there's quite a number of them in this movie.
Rush Hour 1 and 2- i know it's has rude language in it, but it's
hillarious (more for me and hubby's benefit) and has lots of stunts
(for son's benefit). My kid's into martial arts. So he's into any kung
fu movies, especially Jackie Chan and Jet Li's.
So by now writing this, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a pattern
here, that when we're watching something with a "purpose to
understand", other than just entertainment, maybe it provided DS with
a focus, away from his fear factor? Maybe this might work for your
kid?
I'm sure I've got lots more movies in my brain but then, my brain's
not working today LOL! I hope this helps.
Hugs and best wishes to everyone,
SharonBugs.
Sharon
More suggested movies:
Back to the Future and sequels
Daddy Daycare
Daddy Daycamp
ET
Dr. Doolittle
Homeward Bound 1 & 2
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
RV
Sharon
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
Back to the Future and sequels
Daddy Daycare
Daddy Daycamp
ET
Dr. Doolittle
Homeward Bound 1 & 2
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
RV
Sharon
--- In [email protected], "three.moms" <3mommies@...>
wrote:
>
> Our son Ethan (age 8) really really really wants to watch non-animated
> movies with us. The problem is that he gets scared very easily.
> Tonight we tried watching Ghost Busters together. It seemed like a
> safe bet, after all, what could go wrong with a few ghosts and the
> stay-puffed marshmallow man? It went south. He didn't get scared. He
> said he was grossed out and freaked out. We had tried The Incredibles,
> but the scene with the dead superheroes wigged him out and it's
> animated. Even Wallace and Gromit (also animated) sort of freaked him.
>
> He really wants to watch Spiderman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc., but
> I know he'll freak out. I hate it that he gets all excited and then
> gets scared in the middle of the movie and wants it turned off. He
> feels bad about it and like there's something wrong with him because
> he's scared. I really want to help him watch things he wants to watch.
>
> Any suggestions movie or otherwise?
>
> Peace,
> Jean Elizabeth
>
> http://3mommies.blogspot.com
>