My son is only four and some kids in his class have already seen Star Wars. There's a lot of light saber playing and Yoda birthday cakes and things like that. He has asked for a light saber, and I am pretty sure he will ask to see the movie soon. My husband was excited about the idea, but I think this is too young for such violence and themes. I am generally pretty laid-back about things, but I'm feeling like I might have to put my foot down. So, I guess my question is: Is Star Wars okay for a four-year old? And if have to fend him off, what's a good way to do it? — Trying to Stay on the Light Side
Dear Trying,
Star Wars seems to have replaced various religious texts for the modern American guy: It's the classic Good vs. Dark Side narrative, complete with battles, explosions, and awesome gadgetry. Many parents of our generation have been looking forward to their sons' first Star Wars viewing since the meconium wipe-down. As mothers of sons, this is a topic we have been extensively debating amongst ourselves. So we decided to seek some counsel from a child development expert and professor of psychology at Barnard, Dr. Tovah Klein. And here's what we gleaned from our conversation with her:
Star Wars was intended for an older audience. (It is rated PG, after all). Because it's not geared towards little kids, it's hard for them to make sense of it. Not just plot turns involving the defense of Aldreon, but the adult "conflict, tension and aggression." When little kids watch this "tension" they may become noticeably "frightened" or "aroused" — and by aroused, Dr. Klein was not talking plain old excitement. She was describing a kind of confused, brain-scrambled state. "Violence without meaning is frightening," she says. "When children can't make sense of what they see on screen, they don't know what to do with what they feel."
To read the rest of the article, go to babble.
