Here's the deal. If you don't know this about me, let me hit you with some knowledge. I have no problem with product endorsement. If I like something I tell people unequivocally. Conversely, if something sucks I feel free to give it both barrels and I hope others will be that honest with me.
No, I am not adding advertisements to this page.
I saw a Craigslist ad and I am responding to it. WonderDads (It was a Charlotte listing but the WonderDads website doesn't have a Charlotte selection. Durham is the closest city.) is looking for writers. They are paying noting for this initial article but if your article receives 5000 hits you will be published in a collection of other stories and are eligible for paid projects. I intend to write an article here, submit it to them, and when I find out the location, link the bajeezus out of it on facebook. That is probably everyone else's plan too, but I hope I have a head start with you guys.
Either way, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
My topic, "The Parts of Star Wars You Need to Skip to Play it for Your x-Year Old - What Parts to Fast Forward Based on Ages 3, 4, 5, 6." With that, I intend to dive right in.
Star Wars is easily my favorite movie. One of my earliest memories is sitting on the floor of the den where I grew up, playing with legos in the shag carpet and watching Episode IV: A New Hope, with my Dad. He was pivotal in the watching process because I was maybe 3 years old and many of the aliens have subtitles. I begged him to read what they said every time.
Today, I am a father of two. To answer your question, of COURSE I have watched Star Wars with my kids. For my son the subtitles aren't as big a deal as the introduction. It must be read, on cue with the music. Every time.
I have been asked what scenes I don't let them watch. I find this question ridiculous. I let him watch the whole movie. Please let me explain why.
If you are going to fast forward a scene to keep your kids from watching it, that implies you are there watching it with them. Yes, I'm sure someone out there has one of those wicked-awesome high tech DVD players that you can program to skip scenes. Well, I don't. Also, if my kids are watching something with me I can pause the movie and explain how my wife and I feel about scenes we disagree with. Someone is now frothing-at-the-mouth mad and yelling at their computer screen. I accept that, but allow me to continue.
I don't want to hide my kids from the world. I want to teach them how to walk in the world and filter for themselves what is right and wrong. I am aware he is 3 and doesn't understand a lot of things, but I refuse to take for granted that he doesn't understand more than I realize. Also, I'm not watching the creepy heart removal scene from Temple of Doom with the little guy, give me some credit. However, some of the lessons are self evident. As an example, here are some talking points for watching Star Wars with your kids.
1. No matter how awesome you are, cutting people's arms off in a bar isn't cool.
2. See all these words? Learning to read is important!
3. The floating needle ball thing is ridiculously creepy and kinda scares me too.
4. Luke gave Leia the blaster and she gave it back. Even grown-ups have to share.
5. See how the Death Star blew up? There were janitors and construction workers on there who may not have been on-board with blowing up Alderaan, just working a job. But, they are still suffering the same consequences as Grand Moff Tarkin. Picking your friends and where you hang out is important. Guilt by association is a legitimate concern.
While I may see the movie, and how to raise kids, differently than a lot of people, I feel the bottom line is communication and interaction. Whether I'm right or wrong, rather than my kids seeing me hiding things from them, I want them to see opportunities to ask me questions and talk about things they don't understand. Am I protecting them from things? Of course! But I purposely pick the movies we watch as a family so we watch them beginning to end. (500)
That is what I intend to submit. I may revise it a tad, we will just have to see. Also, if you think I should add or take anything away, please let me know.
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