Batkid Begins

In my opinion, selective viewing of movies with children can help with moral development. Many topics can be learned and discussed with your children by viewing selective cinema versus the overstimulated offerings found on television.

Some movies for kids can tap into a child's higher learning regarding character developemt. For example, empathy is not an easy task to teach to a child. It requires examples within literature or our own lives to enhance the learning experience. Finding a cinema experience with any depth about empathy is much harder for parents than one might think. However, there are stories that can lead to conversations that deepen a child's understanding that the world is much bigger than themselves.

One such movie is Batkid Begins. This is a movie about a make a wish project in the San Francisco area that involved a little boy that wanted to be Batman. The project went viral, and the community rallied to provide such an amazing experience for the child.

The movie is a great example that dreams can come true. It also teaches children that it truly takes a village to help make a wish come true. I heard my own children as they watched it say, "Amazing" about 10 times due to feeling the emotions of what the community did for this child. The movie, for my kids, instilled faith that humans, can inspire amazing events, which is very unique attribute that we have the ability to do every day.

The movie is currently on Netflix and major online video rental services. Spend a night with your child and watch this movie. You will not be disappointed.

What Would You Do?

For older children, moral development can be shaped by many influences including television viewing. Parents can shape conversations using many examples from the media choices found online. There are many shows that children can watch, however one TV show on ABC provides examples for parents and kids to discuss through a show known as "What Would You Do?"

This docudrama cleverly creates scenarios of injustice that ordinary people are confronted with without knowing they are on a TV show. The challenging situations provide reactions that are diverse and sometimes disturbing. You and your child will be exposed to a world of difficult moral challenges.

I have watched the show with my children numerous times. Moral dilemmas have included: discrimination, gender bias, LGBT intolerance, stealing, and many other ethical problems. The show sparks a reaction in children and adults that brings forth discussions. In a sense, it is a self-check on how we would react to similar circumstances if we were confronted with similar injustices. I am amazed at the discussions this has created within my own children and quite proud that we have important discussions about choices we can potentially face every day.

You can view many of the seasons on HULU if you want to check out the archives of this show. Try one with your child, and see what happens. I would recommend previewing some shows for younger children, as some of the subject matter is quite serious.

The Science Of Dr. Who

Netflix has a great documentary exploring the science behind Dr. Who. For those not familiar with the show, Dr. Who is a British Sci-fi series that has been on the BBC since the 1960s. The show is based on time travel, which the documentary explores the plausibility of time travel.

I like the documentary on many levels. First and foremost, it will peak your kids interest to watch Dr. Who. The series itself in my opinion is great for kids, as it taps into their critical thinking skills. Another reason to watch the documentary is the scientific knowledge that will benefit children from watching. (Adults for that matter)

Noted Physicist Brian Cox provides an overview of 6 pioneers of science exploration. He connects the viewer to the works of likes of Einstein, and how they relate to time travel. Time travel may happen one day, and the world of Dr. Who may be a reality.

There are a lot of interesting aspects to this documentary that make for a great viewing experience for parents and children. The science of Dr. Who is more interesting than one might think. You can find this documentary on Netflix and YouTube. Pop the corn and get watching!

The Lego Movie - By Caleb Giardino - (Age 11)

The Lego movie is a great movie for parents and kids to bond. It encourages kids to embrace their creativity. Legos already have been seen in many games sets and in the new Lego dimensions. There are multiple TV, Movie and characters that are part of the Lego universe. In the Lego movie Chris Pratt plays Emmet who as a normal worker follows the instructions of the evil Lord Business played by Will Ferrell. Lord Business is secretly plotting to rule the world and make everything perfect. But Wild Style played by actress Elizabeth Banks is the helper who is a master builder and tries to direct Emmet away from the evil Lord Businesses' instructions.

The surprise of the movie is that the movie enters the "real world." Outside of the Lego world a  child name Finn is responsible for the Lego creations. It takes a complicated leap. The suggestion is that kids use their imaginations to take care of issues that are bothering them. Will Lord Business learn his lesson in the real world? Watch the Lego movie to find out.