How to Decide if a Movie is Age Appropriate

Every parent wonders if her child is old enough to see the scary movie that he keeps asking to see. The movie rating system may say a movie is PG-13, but every child is different and to some the language or gore may be too much to handle. Follow these steps to help you decide if a movie is age appropriate.

Instructions

1. View the movie first. Watch the whole movie before you decide. Think about it from your child's point of view. If it seems like it may be too mature, don't let him watch it.

2. Check online. Many websites offer in depth reviews of movies and give their own rating system based on gore, language and sexual situations.

3. Take your child's personality into account. If your child frightens easily, then a PG-13 movie with a lot of blood may be too much for him to handle. It may not be advisable to take an aggressive child to a violent movie.

4. Watch the movie with your child and be prepared to turn it off if it seems to bother him. Be prepared to answer questions and offer reassurances if he becomes concerned.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember it is your job as a parent to make decisions that are in the best interest of your child and sometimes your child won't like your decisions.

• Don't give into peer pressure. Sometimes you may be tempted to let your child watch a movie you decide isn't appropriate for him just because he won't leave you alone about.