Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
As Halloween approaches, the movie channels start screening old horror movies and new slasher flicks are in plentiful supply at theaters. Your kid asks to go see a scary movie at the theater with friends, but they're barely out of grade school. Do you let them go?
That leads us to this week's question:
What's the appropriate age for kids to start watching scary movies?
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the Comments section.
Brad W. When my daughter was a baby she would only go to sleep if she had The Grinch Who Stole Christmas VHS case starring Jim Carey in her crib with her. She has been watching scary movies since then & has never had a nightmare & loves them. Depends on the individual. She is a very good girl & the movies do not affect her at all. — via Oswego Patch
Eve E. I think it not only depends on the content but maturity of the child. My son is 7 and Spooky Buddies upset him in parts. If I have any say, my kids won't be watching Freddy and Jason type films until they are at least 12! —via Yorkville Patch
Tony F. I've seen study after study about the human brain and how it perceives what it sees. Absorbing those movies will distort your rational thought patterns and have an influence on your judgement. Seeing as how our children these days have no rational thought or respect for authority. I don't think they need any help screwing up their futures — via Plainfield Patch
Michelle G. I'll never forget my parents taking us kids to see Jaws. Traumatized me ever since. To this day, I don't understand why they did that. My mom doesn't know why either & my dad (RIP) didn't remember. — via Bolingbrook Patch
Chris B. well I'm 40 and still can't handle them so, I would guess maybe...never. LOL — via Channahon-Minooka Patch
Mark Donahue
11:02 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
It's really an individual thing. One persons 11 year old might be able to handle it no problem, while the kid down the street has nightmares for weeks. It's up to the parents to decide what their kids can handle.
We allow our 11 year old to watch some PG-13 movies now, but it will be awhile before he gets to see any R movies.
I think it's good for kids to be a little afraid. It's all part of growing up. The world isn't exactly fairies and rainbows.
Mickey
3:17 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
It's funny, Jurrasic Park scared me so much, but when my two kids happened upon it - they were 3 & five, I was horrified they were watching it but the oldest said, mom, it's funny! This movie is great! It doesn't scare us!
Mickey
3:21 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Actually, that picture of Dracula scares me. Could you remove it??
JK. :-)
Ivan Szer
9:02 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Actually I got scared in jumana And i am a single dad aged 50 so I.would also say never unless you want your kids to reside in your bed for the foreseeable future
Ivan Szer
9:02 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Jumanji
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