Navigating Movies as a Christian Parent: Watching What Your Kids Want to See
Navigating Movies as a Christian Parent: Watching What Your Kids Want to See
As Christian parents, we often find ourselves in a tricky spot when it comes to choosing entertainment for our kids. We want to shield them from negative influences, but at the same time, we recognize that the world we live in isn’t always going to align with our values. The key isn’t avoiding everything but equipping our children to discern and understand what they see.
Recently, I took my daughters to see the movie Wicked. It’s a musical, full of drama, incredible acting, and thought-provoking themes. While I had my reservations—after all, the title alone raises eyebrows—I made the decision to go with them. Why? Because parenting isn’t just about shielding our kids; it’s about guiding them through what they encounter, even in entertainment.
Why I Let Them Watch It
The PG rating gave me confidence that, while there might be elements I’d prefer weren’t there, the content was appropriate for their age. However, as with anything, it’s not just about the rating but the conversations that come afterward. I made sure to pray beforehand and remind my daughters that the "witchcraft" elements were part of the fictional storyline, not something to embrace.
What We Learned
Great Art Can Have Valuable Lessons
The acting and writing in Wicked were phenomenal, and the performances had lessons about choices, perspectives, and consequences. The “wicked” witch’s character was a reminder that labels often don’t tell the full story—a powerful talking point for my daughters.
Engage, Don’t Avoid
Instead of saying no to every movie that raises a question, I use those moments to teach discernment. If we avoid every challenge, how will they grow into adults who can navigate life on their own? Watching this movie together allowed me to share my values while they enjoyed a story they loved.
Parenting Means Being Present
I could have let them watch it with friends, but being there with them meant I could answer questions, share my perspective, and show them how to filter entertainment through our faith.
A Balanced Approach
We can’t shield our kids from everything the world throws at them. What we can do is be present, guide them, and show them how to live out their faith no matter the circumstances. Watching Wicked with my daughters reminded me that it’s not about running from the world but standing firm in it.
And yes, while I prayed away any lingering witchcraft vibes, I can’t deny that the "wicked" witch gave an Oscar-worthy performance! 🎭 Sometimes, it’s about appreciating the art while staying grounded in what truly matters.
Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. Let’s raise kids who can face the world with wisdom and faith, one movie at a time. 🌟
