As a parent watching your kids grow up is both rewarding and difficult. There are many challenges involved in parenting and they only increase as children reach their teenage years. Being a mother of two it is hard for me to watch as my kids become more and more independent. It seems like yesterday when they needed my husband and I for just about everything. I am always struggling with new and exciting ways to keep us closer as a family. Whether it is having board game night, playing video games, reading a book together, hiking, bike riding, or just watching a movie/show together it is very important to set aside quality time for our family.
As my oldest approached 15, it is difficult at times to find something to watch together as a family. He is too old for the kiddie shows and too young for rated R movies. Often, we browse through Netflix and come across a movie that sounds good only to find out that it is not age appropriate.
Having a common interest in a show or movie would allow us to talk about more mature subjects.
We will also be sure to be there for him when and if he has any questions related to the material on the screen. Netflix does have plenty of shows that we can watch with him. One show that we heard about is called “13 Reasons Why.” It is rate TV-MA and here is a brief plot line of the show: After a teenage girl’s perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice. It sounds like it covers some pretty strong material so it would be a good show to watch with our teen. If you are having difficulty starting a conversation with your teen here is a link that may help: 13 Reasons Why: Talking Points for Viewing & Discussing the Netflix Series
Another show that we would recommend is “Stranger Things.” So far, we watched the first couple of episodes of this Netflix Original and we are hooked. The only reason we haven’t watched more is because our daughter is only 11 and this show is rated TV-14. I guess it will be one of those shows that we can’t binge watch, which can be a good thing.
For all of you who are fans of comic books or who have teens who are, I highly recommend watching “Arrow.” It is based on DC Comics’ “Green Arrow”, and features a super hero who saved the city from villains while only being armed with a bow and arrow.
In the end, it really doesn’t have to be so challenging to talk to your teen about bullying, drugs, sex, peer pressure, stress, and other topics that may be on their mind. Sometimes just watching a show together will prompt questions which will lead to some interesting discussions. Having an honest and open relationship with your children is very important. As parents, it is our job to be creative and find ways that will prompt openness and sharing. I would love to hear how some of my readers spend time with their teens in fostering close relationships.
New on Netflix
From science to style and everything in between, you’re next streaming obsession is coming soon to Netflix.
Bill Bye Saves the World 4/21
Girlboss 4/21
Dear White People 4/28
Anne with an E 5/12
Unbreakable Kimmy Scmidt. Season 3 5/19
Disclaimer: I wrote this post on behalf of Netflix as a member of Netflix #StreamTeam. These or some other movies that we watched on Netflix and enjoyed.
We enjoy watching Anne with an E