Being a parent is tough. Let’s face it – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. As your children get older there are more and more issues you need to address.
When I think back on my childhood I think I had it easier than today’s children. Although I experienced peer pressure and bullying as a youth, it’s nothing compared to what today’s children face.
Social media, technology and video games play a big role in children’s live these days. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong were tame compared to Call of Duty, Minecraft and Assassin’s Creed.
Social media, in my eyes, is the worst when it comes to children and teens. It gives people around the globe instant access to a child. That is scary!
As a mom I am always there for my children to help address any questions or concerns they might have. Sometimes it’s not that easy to find the way to talk to them about important issues. Either that or you need to find a way to reinforce what you teach your children.
When my kids were little I would look for books that addressed the same issues we discussed. It wasn’t to use with my children INSTEAD of talking to them about it but rather to reinforce what life lessons I taught them.
You can also find television programs that help teach children about valuable life lessons. In fact, Netflix has plenty of shows you can access right now (if you are a member of course) that address issues and questions that children up to teens face. Here are just a few examples.
For little kids…
Sibling Rivalry
Watch Ep. S1E1: Babee’s RoomBuzzbee and Rubee compete over who Babee (their new sibling) gets to room with. Mom and Dad must explain to Buzzbee and Rubee that Babee needs to grow up before she can share a room.
Responsibility
Watch Ep. S1E1: Puppies & Guppies/ Sorry We’re Closed TodayLarry and Laura Carrot want to adopt puppies but quickly learn it takes responsibility in order to watch over and care for a pet of their own.
Following the Rules
Watch Ep. S1E6: Stormy Weather/ Baba’s Adventure/ Rock MusicMama tells Oona and Baba to stay close with a storm approaching. After ignoring her advice, Oona and Baba get stuck in a seagull nest during the heavy thunderstorms.
For big kids...
Self-Love
Watch Ep. 113: StarAfter Dulcinea feels like no one in the group needs her help, she tries to use a newly-discovered wishing star to show her worth — but fails — showing her that presence alone has lit up her friends’ lives all along.
Teamwork
Watch Ep. 103: Smart is the New CoolAfter McKeyla insists she works better alone, she learns that four is better than one when her friends jump in to help her rescue the Prince from a botched space mission.
Peer Pressure
Watch Ep. 106: The Legend of El ExplosivoAfter getting grounded for sneaking off to Bobby Popko’s house, Jackson realizes he needs to stand up for what he knows is right and not give in to please his friends.
For teens…
Social Media FOMO
Watch Ep. 102: Girl Meets BoyCory challenges his class to unplug from their phones for a week. When Riley and her crush Lucas sit down to talk face-to-face, personal stories bring them closer.
Self Improvement
Watch Ep. 104: Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!Kimmy quickly realizes that she can’t fix her problems by simply “Buhbreezing” them away – real change comes from the inside.
Body Image
Watch Ep. 101: #BootyCallAccording to the kids of Degrassi Community School, butts are the new boobs. But Shay’s realization that “brains are the new butts” can speak to a number of body image insecurities.
My daughter has said to me numerous times how Degrassi addresses a lot of teen issues. I have noticed that with the show Girl Meets World too. They address a variety of issues such as girls fighting over the same guy (it happens all the time), going to a new school, absentee parents and so much more.
You can even find movies on Netflix that drive home valuable life lessons.
Have you ever used another medium such as a television show, movie or book to help reinforce valuable life lessons? Feel free to share your thought and experiences on this matter. I always love to hear from readers.
FYI… here is what is new on Netflix this month.
If you would like to learn more about Netlfix simply visit Netflix.com. You can also check them out on social media.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Netflix to bring you this information. I have received free service and promotional products in exchange for my participation. There is no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Susan Long says
Great post on kids and what to watch on tv! Thanks alot