It can be complicated for parents to know what films are safe and suitable for their kids to watch. With an ever-evolving landscape of media content, it can be a daunting task trying to figure out which movies will provide positive experiences for your children. Fortunately, there is hope! To help you navigate the intricate process of choosing age-appropriate movies for your family, here’s a closer look at six key factors that will make selecting cinematic gems a breeze.
Consider Age Appropriateness
As a parent, deciding what is appropriate for your child can be a daunting task. It’s important to consider not only the content but also the language and themes presented in movies, and TV shows. What may be suitable for one child may not be suitable for another, which is why factors such as age and maturity level should also be taken into account. It’s important to create guidelines and standards for what your child can and cannot be exposed to, but it’s also crucial to have open communication with them about why certain things may not be suitable. By being mindful of age appropriateness, you can ensure that your child is consuming content that aligns with your family’s values while still allowing them to explore and learn from the world around them. The folks at Featured Animation note that most animated movies are suitable for kids of all ages. It’s always a good idea to double-check the rating before you play the movie, but generally speaking, animated films are an excellent option for family viewing.
Has Digestible Emotional Impact
It’s important to ensure the movie you’re choosing is easily digestible by your child. You want them to be entertained, not emotionally overwhelmed by the end of the movie. There are two things to consider. Is the movie age appropriate? Are there themes in there that your child may not understand or have a hard time comprehending? For example, a younger child may not be emotionally able to handle death even if the box or streaming service says it’s appropriate for their age group. How it is explained may make or break the movie. You know your child best with what they can and cannot handle.
Look For Movies That Have Educational Value
As a parent, we can make screen time have educational value. Movies aimed at younger children often include some sort of educational value to it. As a parent, you’ll be able to quickly identify what it is with a quick review of the movie before letting your kids see it. Think about what we grew up with like Disney movies. It’s all in the story. The educational value is usually the storyline and the moral lessons it teaches. For older children, the educational value is more of what you’d think; subject-based. Subjects such as history or science.
Choose A Movie That Appeals To Your Kids’ Interests
As a parent, it can be tough to pick a movie that appeals to your kids’ interests and preferences. But once you know what types of films they like, it’s easier to narrow down the selection. To make sure your kids are engrossed in the movie, ask them what sorts of stories or genres they prefer. Do they like adventure? Fantasy? Romance? Comedy? Once you have this information, it’s much easier to find a movie that will be enjoyable for the whole family. Take some time to research different titles and watch trailers. Pay close attention to the ratings, too; this will help you determine if the movie is suitable for your kids. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from reputable sources, such as Common Sense Media or Rotten Tomatoes. That way, you can get an objective opinion on the quality of the movie.
Aim For Shorter Movies That Are More Engaging
As children get older, they may be better able to appreciate longer movies. But for younger kids, it’s best to keep the run time on the shorter side. Aim for films that have a runtime of around 90 minutes or less. This will help ensure that your child won’t lose interest in the movie halfway through and start seeking more stimulating activities. Additionally, choose movies that have an engaging storyline and characters they can connect with. Kids are often more likely to stay engaged when the story is interesting and enjoyable.
Read Reviews
It’s always a good idea to read reviews from reputable sources. This can help you get an objective opinion on the quality of the movie and whether it’s suitable for your family. Sites like Common Sense Media or Rotten Tomatoes provide age-appropriate ratings, short summaries, user scores, and detailed reviews. Additionally, parents can leave their own reviews about the movie, so you can get a better idea of what to expect before you press play. Kids and parents alike can also write reviews about films they’ve watched, so you can get a better idea of how the movie will be received by both adults and children. It’s also a great way to support other parents who are looking for quality family films.
Take Into Account Film Ratings
The ratings of a movie are important to consider when choosing what’s suitable for your kids. The common film-rating system used in the US is based on age appropriateness, with G being the most family-friendly and NC-17 being strictly for adults only. Even within these categories, parents should still be mindful of the content that may not be suitable for their children. While PG-13 movies don’t have any age restrictions, they can still contain content that might not be suitable for young viewers. It’s best to read reviews and watch trailers before deciding which movie to watch with your family. When in doubt, stick to G-rated films. It’s also important to remember that even G-rated movies can have moments that are too intense or violent for some younger children, so it’s best to pay close attention to the content.
- G: This rating is for general audiences. As a parent, the content of this movie is safe! You should feel comfortable with your kids watching it.
- PG: This rating means parental guidance is suggested. This rating is kind of tricky. It may contain themes that you might not want young children to watch. Sometimes it’s language and sometimes it’s very brief nudity. Depending on your values, it’s best to review this movie before showing your kids.
- PG-13: This rating means parents are strongly cautioned. Be cautious, but this rating is pretty clear. The themes within this movie are meant for teenagers. It could be inappropriate for your preteens and definitely inappropriate for younger children.
- R: This rating means the content is restricted. Not a family-friendly movie and is intended for adults and should not be watched without an adult present. This rating is usually given for violence, inappropriate language, or adult themes.
- NC-17: This rating means that no one 17 and under is admitted. Parents only. Do not leave this accessible to anyone. Movies this rating are nearly impossible to accidentally find, but beware.
Pay Attention To Potentially Sensitive Material
Selecting a movie for a family movie night can be a daunting task, especially when you have to consider the sensitivities of the viewers. Violence, sexual content, and other potentially sensitive material can quickly turn a fun evening into an unpleasant experience. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to the content of the movie before settling on a choice. Taking a few minutes to research the film’s rating or read a few reviews can save you from unexpected surprises and help you make an informed decision that everyone can enjoy. Remember, the content of a movie matters just as much as its plot and actors, so be mindful of what you select for your next family night in.
Ultimately, choosing a movie to watch with your kids can be a challenging and rewarding process. Be sure to keep their age appropriateness, genre preferences, and length in mind when settling on the perfect movie. Do your research by reading reviews from both professionals and fellow viewers alike and make sure to pay attention to the film ratings. And finally, take into account any potentially sensitive material such as violence, sexual content, or any other theme that could be inappropriate for younger viewers before committing to a particular movie selection. With these tips in mind, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down potential family movie nights that everyone can enjoy! Try to make the selection process collaborative and involve your children in the decision-making. This can help promote a sense of ownership and appreciation in them, while also teaching them how to choose movies that are both entertaining and age-appropriate.
