The Movie, Thirteen
Thirteen, a movie starring Holly Hunter, opened this week. The topic concerns thirteen year old girls--specifically, how one with good values becomes influenced by one with poor values. More importantly, it mirrors what we see in our society. Kids on the cusp of their teen years are growing up at warp speeds and getting involved in things you and I would cringe over..things we didn't know existed when we were that age! Children as young as 4th grade are performing oral sex on one another. Young teenagers in affluent neighborhoods are shooting up heroin. Kids are becoming addicted to both street and prescription drugs at an alarming rate. They're dressing like cheap hookers, smoking like chimneys, and uttering words that would make Ozzie blush. What's happening? Could this be the repercussion of being born and raised in the new digital era? Are we bombarded kids with unhealthy messages at a rate and intensity that pushes them over the edge? I think all parents should watch this movie. I certainly plan to. If you do, please give me your feedback. Heck, if you don't, you can still let me know what your thoughts are!
Comments
The mother in this movie is simply not a very good mother. The movie was horrific to watch simply because all of it could have been avoided by a half way decent parent.
Posted by: filchyboy | September 28, 2003 08:09 AM
you are totally wrong not all parents can control a rebelous teeneager speak for yourself
Posted by: Kristin | October 3, 2003 07:10 AM
I agree it can be challenging sometimes, but you can actually help kids become less rebellious. What it's NOT about is CONTROL!!! It's about giving them the freedom to find their own identity, about loving them unconditionally, about disposing of all oppressive, controlling, and judgmental parenting. Kids should be guided with calm and objective feedback, natural and logical consequences delivered consistently, politely and without criticism, shaming, guilt provocation, parental martyrdom, or evaluations. So, not all parents can control a rebellious teen, you're SO right. But those parents who do try to control a free spirit will definitely encourage their kids to rebel against authority and perhaps even depise their parents.Kids are no different than all human beings. They need to feel accepted, acknowledged, and respected and appreciated for their unique gifts and strengths. NO ONE deserves to be judged, criticized or controlled. Can you agree to that.
Posted by: drmedhus | October 3, 2003 11:10 AM