As parents, it’s your responsibility to make sure the movies your toddler watches is suited for his age. Sometimes this can be a little difficult due to the fact that the ratings on many movies can often be unclear. A movie that you thought was appropriate may contain language that you don’t feel is suited for your child or even depict certain moral situations that you don’t want your child introduced to at this age.
The best way to determine if a movie is suited for your toddler is by viewing the movie first hand and making a decision for yourself. This way, you know exactly what your child is watching and there won’t be any misunderstandings. If you’re not sure where to start, you can begin by viewing the top 10 movies for toddlers listed below in no particular order:
1. Toy Story
2. Dumbo
3. Brave Little Toaster
4. Monsters, Inc.
5. Mary Poppins
6. Once Upon A Forest
7. 101 Dalmatians
8. Finding Nemo
9. Elmo In Grouchland
10. FernGully, The Last Rainforest
When determining if a movie is suitable for your toddler there are several things that you need to consider. One of the first things to consider is the plot. Is it too complicated for your toddler to understand? If so, then you may want to wait until he or she is a little older when they can get more enjoyment out of the movie.
The “fear factor” is also something that should be considered. Some toddlers scare easier than others and this is something that only parents can decide. You don’t want your child having nightmares or scared to lie down at night for fear something may jump out of the closet or out from under the bed.
Also consider what kind of lessons your toddler will be learning from the movie. Many children are very observant and will pick up on things that you may not even think about. Therefore, it’s important for you to pay close attention to what the characters in the movie are doing, how they treat others and the consequences they face for their actions.
Many movies designed for toddlers can also be enjoyed by adults so you can watch them together. It’s something that you can talk about while teaching your child how to engage in conversation. The right movies can be a learning tool that can help them prepare for the world outside the home.
If you don’t have time to view certain movies before your toddler sees them, you can talk to other concerned moms and dads who have seen the movie in question to get their opinion. However, it would be a good idea to make sure you share the same values and concerns or you may end up allowing your toddler to view a movie that you would have preferred them not to see.
