How movies and what they hear influences kids

You know I feel like I have to start screening EVERYTHING my kids watch, even a g rated, or pg rated movie. Just so I know what they hear and see, and can give them fair warning about phrases, and things they might be inclined to repeat.

About a week ago we rented Beverly Hills Chihuahua, my kids watched it and liked it, I thought no problem it was ok for them to see.

Right?
Wrong?

Last night I called my son who ignored me, so I sent my oldest downstairs, to get him and tell him I wanted to see him, I was in the middle of doing something, but when my oldest told my son that I wanted to see him, he said 'Talk to the Paw'..........I have never promoted this kind of talk in my house, and I don't intend to star allowing it now.

Let's look at the phrase talk to the paw, and someone else had to explain it to me, that it could be considered another way of saying 'Talk to the Hand', people on the street and in gangs often say talk to the hand, when they don't want to talk to someone, a paw on an animal would be considered the hand. So in the way he used it, it was pure disrespect to me in saying that.

And people wonder why so many kids have disrespect for adults and others in today's world?

This was a Disney Film!

Lets take a look at the history of Disney films, villians, killing, theft, you name it, good wins over evil, almost always, if not alway.

But now?
We can expect that a supposedly family oriented company to teach our kids the language of the street and gangs, and when that is said to someone else in an authority position isn't going to be looked favorably upon.

I'm sorry but this is just one instance.
I really believe that the movie and gaming industry is responsible, in part, for the attitude of kids today. That and parents don't take the time to tell their kids that what they see and hear in movies, and on the streets is wrong.

So now I'm wondering if I have to screen everything that my son watches to ward off anything like this and determine if its suitable for watching or not.

Companies that make movies like this for kids, should really watch the street lingo in it. Not every kid will understand the meaning of something, but still repeat it back. Or they'll just think its a kewl thing to say, or a neat phrase, regardless.

My son knows my displeasure on this matter, as he is missing both church and youth group today because of it. And I told him if I hear it again, he'll be grounded for a month.


copyright© 2009, mmuccioli