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commentsAddressing The Hunger Games
April 16, 2012
By Georgia Ridgeway
There’s no avoiding the buzz about The Hunger Games, and its looming presence in media and culture lately has some parents in a quandary on whether they should allow their kids to read the books or see the movie.
Protecting and guiding your kids is hard work. However, I believe that we can actually make these trends and media work for us.
When our kids approach us with questions about trending media, demonstrate and teach them what it is to listen.
Ask tough questions, why this excites or interests them, what are their friends saying are the best parts and help them to start thinking about the big picture.
Their minds are not fully developed, so be patient and realize that you will likely need to repeat yourself, but that with each conversation you are building a platform where your kids will learn to seek your insight and to trust you even more.
When your kids are ready to read a book series like The Hunger Games, why not read it with them? By taking the time out to explore these stories with them it will communicate a lot of things to your kids as well as keep you up to date with what your kids are facing. This allows you to engage with them while knowing what they are talking about and it will give you the platform to help your kids start to think critically about what they are watching and reading. By doing this, you will create a safe place for your kids to come and talk about anything with you, not as a friend, but as a parent who is committed to supporting and challenging their kids. This will communicate to your kids a respect for them, an interest, a desire to learn, and that you are invested in them.
We may not be able to shield our kids from everything in this world, but we can prepare them to start looking at the world through a different view.
The Hunger Games will not be the last craze that will concern parents, but it can be a venue to open conversation with your kids about values, decisions, and faith. Seize this opportunity to develop their minds and their character.
In fact, help each other out, and in our comment section below list some great conversation starters to have with your kids on either this book series or how to respond to new trends.
Georgia Ridgeway is the program developer for Eagle Brook’s elementary program, Elevate.
2 Responses to “Addressing The Hunger Games”
Our small group was actually discussing this topic last night after reading Acts 15 with regards to dealing with traditions we learned growing up. The topic arose on how to teach our children the true meaning of Easter, Christmas, etc. in the midst of the commercial bombardment we all face. We came to the conclusion that this is a great time to “seize the opportunity” to teach, rather trying to shield them from everything. When we share our own walk with our kids, we help them develop a relationship with Christ, rather than set of rules they must follow. Thanks for the great message. God Bless!
Thanks for your encouraging words that were articulated so well!