I forget how hard it is to be a tween when your hormones start flowing, body starts changing and everything is different. I was recently reminded of how dramatic those times were and how important self-confidence is because kids can be mean and slowly tear you into pieces until you don't recognize yourself anymore. I wish I never had to experience that but I believe it made me a stronger person and the lesson I learned was knowing my own personal boundries.
As a parent trying to sit down with Cheyenne and talk about these issues seems to be a real challenge because she avoids it at all costs with “nothing is wrong”, when I know from her actions something is. Luckily Netflix has made these hard conversations easy and opened the lines of communication for the family.
Let's start with the little kid issues:
- The Hive helps us deal with Sibling Rivalry in Ep. S1E1: Babee's Room
- VeggieTales helps us deal with Responsibility in Ep. S1E1: Puppies & Guppies/Sorry We're Closed Today
- Puffin Rock helps us deal with Following the Rules in Ep. S1E6: Stormy Weather/ Baba's Adventure/ Rock Music
Now that we have the basics out of the way and are able to talk more openly about what we find is important versus that of the kids we move on to the big kid issues:
- Puss In Boots helps us deal with Self-Love in Ep. S1E13: Star
- Project Mc2 helps us deal with Teamwork in Ep. S1E3: Smart is the New Cool
- Fuller House helps us deal with Peer Pressure in Ep. S1E6: The Legend of El Explosivo
Now is the time to build up self-confidence in the kids and prepare them for their teenage years when emotions become a little unstable and dealing with hormones is a new way of life. I like these shows to help with a few teenage issues:
- The Fosters helps us deal with Actions Have Consequences in Ep. S1E1&2: Pilot & Consequently
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt helps us deal with Self-Improvement in Ep. S1E4: Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!
- Glee helps us deal with Body Image in Ep. S1E16: Home
I feel it is important to teach my kids that real change comes from the inside and that we all learn as we grow. I challenge you to empower your kids to be the best they can be and come to you when they need help dealing with something big or small because they matter to you.
Have you seen these new shows on Netflix yet? I am always surprised at the new releases coming out and excited to watch a new movie with the kids.
What's your favorite show that helps you have hard conversations?