March is National Reading Month so why not have a list of parenting books to have by your side for guidance, support and inspiration. This month’s blogs will focus on books I have on my shelf.❤︎
Rafe Esquith, a teacher in Los Angeles, takes you into the lives of his students and shows the importance of guiding children to become extraordinary. In his book, Lighting Their Fires-Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-Up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World, he believes that children become extraordinary because of the people around them: their parents and teachers. The life skills, values and morals that are taught to these students are life-changing and contribute to them becoming successful adults. Makes sense, right?
At one point, he lists a variety of movies that parents and children can watch together that are thought-provoking. Curl up with a blanket, and watch some movies with your children that will leave you all asking questions about life, decision-making, and responsibilities. Guide your family in these conversations. Here are a few of Esquith’s movie suggestions:
*Groundhog Day-“After the film, take a moment to remind our children that life is not like this-we often have only one chance to do the right thing and need to take advantage of every opportunity.”
*The Time Machine– 1960s version of HG Wells’ novel-“Challenges a child to consider how our present knowledge might shape our future.”
*Our Town-Turn this into a family read then watch the movie-1977 version is great! Sometimes we realize “too late how little we appreciate the time we are given in this life…It’s an admirable goal to challenge students to love life, every, every minute.”
As your children get older, movies can provide a less-threatening way to bring up serious topics. You can take control of addressing concerning issues while making kids more easily engaged. Pop some popcorn and give movie night a new meaning….helping raise your extraordinary kids!
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the Essentialist Family 