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Appropriate Movies for Children

Watching a movie with your child is a wonderful time for both to share in the adventure of a new story. It's important to remember, however, that not all movies designated as "kids movies" are appropriate for children of all ages. An enormous amount of intellectual and emotional development occurs between birth and age 12, and each stage comes with its own degree of ability to process new ideas, emotions or situations.
  1. Ages 1 to 5: 'Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales'

    • This film is narrated by actress Susan Sarandon and is based on the children's story by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. Different stories within the film are also narrated by actors Billy Crystal and other well-known actors, and there are lullabies sung by Tony Bennett and Lauryn Hill. One the most enjoyable and humorous aspect of the film are the interviews with kindergarten-age children, which occur in between stories in which they recount dreams they've had.

    Age 6 to 10: 'Finding Nemo'

    • Perfect for grade school children who might be bored by ultra-safe movies, "Finding Nemo" is a computer-animated Disney film about a fish named Marlin who goes in search of his missing child Nemo. While the concept of a frantic parent searching for a missing child might be upsetting for children younger than 5 years old, most 6 to 10 year old children will likely find the movie entertaining and absorbing. Released in 2003, "Finding Nemo" broke box-office records and continues to sell quite well on DVD.

    Age 10 to 12: 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'

    • This 1982 blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg tells the tale of 10-year-old Elliot and the friendship he forms with a stranded alien. An extremely young Drew Barrymore plays Elliot's younger sister and Dee Wallace is the single mother trying to raise her children in the suburbs of early '80s California.

      While there is no violence in the film and almost no profanity, the themes here are somewhat more mature and complex, including themes of compassion, honesty, sacrifice and the main character's coming-of-age realization that not all adults are good and trustworthy people. There are also some emotionally upsetting scenes that are more appropriate for older children, such as the alien character's near death.

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