12 Netflix Titles to Promote Back-to-School Kindness and Acceptance

For kids nowadays it may seem that they have it much easier than we did when we were growing up. Everything in their world seems to be automated and the use of computers, smartphones and other electronic devices has made life that much easier. All that it seems they have to worry about is doing well in school and behaving at home. Well appearances aside children are still faced with many of the challenges we had back in the day. Peer pressure, bullying, fitting-in, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and more are some of the similar aspects. Now they also face things like cyber bullying, increased standardized testing, electronic distractions, and more. That is why it is very important as parents to instill in our children a strong sense of values that will allow them to make educated choices in their lives.

In our family we do our best to have an open dialogue about pretty much anything. We encourage our children to ask questions about things in and around their lives. We also have discussions about what are acceptable behavior and the expectations we have for them. Since the kids these days are so visually inclined we also do our best to incorporate media into positive life lessons.

For example there are some great movies available that are not only entertaining but do a good job of teaching values as well. I like to think of these as movies that promote kindness and acceptance. Netflix is a great source for movies that illustrate these types of behaviors. One of my favorite all-time inspirational movies is “RUDY”.

It is a fantastic story about a young man who despite being short in height is determined to play football at Notre Dame. It is a movie about overcoming odds, fitting in, acceptance, love, and more. “Rudy” is not only appropriate for young boys but for girls as well.

Now another one of my favorites that can be found on Netflix streaming is called “Radio”. Yes, I know it is another football themed movie, but it is much more than that. “Radio” is about a high school football coach that befriends a developmentally disabled man. At first the young man is made fun of and ridiculed by the football players and townspeople. As the movie progresses things changed and the viewer is left with a beautiful heart warming feeling inside. “Radio” is great at teaching children about acceptance of everyone, even those who are different from us.

If you’re into series shows there is a great Netflix original called “Derek”. “Derek” is in its second season on Netflix and stars actor/comedian Ricky Gervais. He plays an English nursing home caretaker who only sees the good in everyone. It is a really great series to watch with your kids. Just make sure for this one they are a bit older since it is rated TV-14. For some other great inspirational and life lesson movies you may want to check out: “Penelope”,“A Mile in His Shoes”,“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, and many more.

Check out my list of titles to stream on Netflix, which will help you show your kids how to treat others with kindness and respect.

For your big kids:

1. Rudy
2. Mulan
3. A Mile in His Shoes
4. Radio
5. Good Luck Charlie: Down a Tree
6. Glee

And your little ones:

1. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Vol. 1 Ep. 6: Friends Help Each Other
2. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Season 3, Ep. 4: One Bad Apple
3. Arthur, Season 15, Ep. 8: Muffy’s Classic Classy Club / Best Enemies
4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
5. Super Why, Season 1, Ep. 61: The Ugly Duckling: Becoming a Swan
6. The Fox and the Hound

Kindness Punch Box

After Streaming these titles, inspire your kids to do good by turning random acts of kindness into a fun game. With our Kindness Punch Box, your kids can break through each tissue-papered hole to reveal a kindness challenge, like smiling at everyone you meet or making a sweet treat to share with your neighbors. Click here to learn how make your own.