Stormy days or rainy weeks happen. Those days where you’ve been through your whole bag of tricks and have been encouraging your children to entertain themselves. Not only are they bored beyond belief, but you need a break as well. Sending them to plop down on the couch and watch anything, looks very inviting.
At times it seems to me that you can spend a lot of time feeling frustrated or like a failure because we just don’t have the energy for more, right now.
I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. I tried to avoid too much screen time with my boys but often, I gave in. In fact, I’ve even had my own Netflix binges.
Yet, I didn’t feel like I was being a good parent when I popped on a movie for the kids so that I could get a moment to breathe. But believe me, your kids can tell when you need that moment.
Yet, we know that throwing on any old show to keep them entertained, isn’t the best of ideas?
Here’s the thing. Not all screen time is equal:
- However, let’s be honest. Some shows have no redeeming value.
- Sometimes, as bored as everyone is, some shows won’t keep their attention and you won’t get that moment you need.
- Action packed shows, can just rev-up the kids, and that’s the opposite of what you’re looking for.
- Does it seem like your kids have seen them all?
- Or … You can’t take that ONE show, even one more time!
So what can you do to catch a break and let the kids watch tv? Fortunately, there’s a better way.
Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something that feels like it’s helping your children pause for an hour or so? Don’t you want something that’s also crazy effective at teaching them something new? Well, now you can. And it doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Instead of throwing on any old show, try something else.
“What makes a good book and what makes a good movie are totally different things.” Seth Grahame-Smith
How about combining a well-loved book with the movie that it inspired?
We all know that many movies and tv shows are based on books. Why not use the two to fill in a rainy day, entertain the children, create beautiful moments you all remember, and maybe even teach them a bit at the same time?
Books and Movies can make each other even better when used together!
Here’s what I did to use screen time to connect with my boys instead of just distracting them.
First, find a great book/movie combo.
#1 – What are your child’s favorite books? Is there a movie or show that goes along with them?
#2 – Does your child have a favorite movie that has a book connected to it?
#3 – Remember that not only chapter books have been made into movies, picture books have as well.
#4 – Do you need new ideas? We have a whole list at the end of this post!
Next, you’ve chosen a simple list of books/movies you are all interested in, but what if you don’t have the books or the movies?
You should, absolutely, head to the Library. Two birds with one stone. Bored kids. Change of scenery. New distractions. A moment for mom to pause at the Library. Take your time. Enjoy.
Look through the shelves. Start with the movies or the books. Find a few selections. (Who knows? The rain may never stop.) Ask the librarian. They usually have amazing ideas.
Time to head home for an Afternoon of Books and Movies.
#1 – Sit down, cuddle up, and read that book together. Talk about the story and the pictures. Ask your child what parts would be fun to see in a movie or tv show.
#2 – What is a movie without snacks? Together, make and gather your favorite healthy snacks. You could even create your own little movie snack box for each child. If you are planning ahead, think of a snack that’s related to the story.
#3 – Movie time! Now, you have a choice. You can sit and enjoy the movie with your child, or do something on your to do list. You get to decide what works best for you today. Isn’t it nice to have a choice and know the children are doing something worthwhile?
#4 – The movie is over, yet your time together isn’t. As you are all cleaning up, talk about the movie. Favorite characters. Best moments. Most exciting part. How are the book and movie different? How are they the same? Which do you like more?
#5 – Do you still have their attention or do you still have time to fill? Let your child color or draw their favorite part or character. If they are older, have them write what happens next. Set them free artistically to draw, color, create, or even act out.
So, did we fill your rainy day with some relaxing fun?
You read together. The children spent their time well. Together, you shared a special experience with a good story. And as the adult, you were able to pause and relax for a moment without the chaos of bored children.
This all sounds like a win-win to me. How about you?
While limiting screen time is very good for your child’s development, sometimes we just need to sit on the couch and relax with a show.
The good news is, you can absolutely watch movies in a way that feels authentic to you and how you want to raise your children. You just need a book to go with your movie, a spot to cuddle, some popcorn – and a little creative conversation to create an amazing shared, learning experience, together.
Read, Watch, and Enjoy Together!
Happy Popcorn,
Lori Wielgos at Kindergarten Together
You were promised some ideas. I didn’t forget. Here you go. Some of these books have multiple tv shows or movies. Take a look and find what works best for your family.
NR – Not Rated G – General Public PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
1 – Harold and The Purple Crayon – PG (The tv show was around in the early 2000’s. The PG movie is coming out soon!)
2 – The Gruffalo – NR
3 – Lost and found (2008 kids movie) – NR
4 – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – G
5 – The Snail and the Whale – NR
6 – Stellaluna – NR
7 – Zog – NR
8 – Green Eggs and Ham – NR
9 – Horton hears a Who – G
10 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – PG
11 – The Snowy Day – NR
12 – Bambi – G
13 – The Snowman (1982 kids movie) – NR
14 – Corduroy – NR
15 – The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse – NR
16 – Charlotte’s Web – G
17 – Paddington – PG
18 – The Tale of Despereaux – G
19 – Flora and Ulysses – PG
20 – BFG – PG
21 – How to Train Your Dragon – PG
22 – James and the Giant Peach – PG
23 – Stuart Little – PG
24 – Alexander and The Terrible No Good Very Bad Day – PG
25 – Where the Wild Things Are – PG
26 – Madeline – PG
27 – Hair Love (movie short) – NR
28 – Mars Needs Moms – PG
29 – Hugo – PG
30 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid – PG
Can you think of any more?
Questions? Comments? Drop them below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
PS Last but not least, one of my favorite books, Harold and the Purple Crayon, has been made into a movie just recently. It will be coming out in August of 2024. Note that while the book and tv series is for little ones, the movie is rated PG. A thought would be to read the book together and watch a bit of the tv series to enjoy and compare. Then on a day that the little ones have a playdate, you can take the older children to the theater.
PPS and Disclaimer: Every parent’s choice in movies and books varies. Please take a moment to confirm that you are comfortable with your chosen book and movie. My suggestions may not always be something you would choose. Check subject matter, reviews, and ratings. These are just suggestions. Common Sense Media is a site that has reviews and suggestions for movies. You may be interested in checking it out. I have no affiliation with the company or site.
