Getting stuck on the same movies is, as we all know, a kid thing. You take them to the theater hoping it even holds their attention, and you end up opening the Pandora’s box of movies. Months later you’re verbally bullied into purchasing it. You know it holds their attention; what harm could it do?
As they say, it’s all downhill from there. Eight times a day, you could end up watching it for a while. As kids get older it’s not just the jokes, the colors, or the songs that their attention focuses on. Eventually, they start to grasp the real story and moral lessons that many children’s films have behind them.
I use some of these movie moments to sneak away; to get my bake on in peace and privacy. When I come out, I usually have a seat and join the kids in watching their show. Just as long as I have nothing else to do.
One day while watching Trolls with my kids; we were at the part where Bridgett is getting a makeover from the Troll, my son asked me, “Mom do you think I should change everything about the way I look? Like Bridgette does?”
I realized right away the effect the show was having on his perception of himself. I watched as Bridgett expresses the inner self-doubt to gain the King’s attention by merely being herself since King Gristle had never noticed her before. My son clearly has a desire to be noticed in a way he isn’t getting and I was catching on to that in real time.
I felt it necessary to point out that Bridgett never has to pretend to be Princess Glitter Sparkles again. Making a point to say that she was pretending because that version of her was made up. To figure out who we are, and the best parts about ourselves; we all pretend at some point.
It was a great moment to explain to my son that self-love and self-acceptance are critical to finding happiness in yourself. It also taught us that grown-ups often pretend while they are learning and figuring things out.
If you haven’t had this talk with your child, or even yourself, bake out and go watch Trolls.
