“This activity became a habit and it is part of our time together. Besides, it’s an excellent way to talk about various subjects, because Nico always has questions about what is happening on a series or movie, and who’s better than mom or dad to answer those questions?”

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Never before our kids have spent so much time on lockdown, due to this pandemic. Virtual classes or homeschooling take half of their day or more in many cases, depending on the amount of homework they have, which implies many, many hours of screen time. Despite that, what they want to do most to have fun, is watch their favorite videos.

On their time off, some physical activities are very important, the idea is to let their brain rest from screen time. My 10-year-old son is pretty clear about the rules in this house concerning that; he didn’t like them at first, but he ended up getting used to it (not like he had any other choice).

One of the rules we have, is that he can only play videogames on weekends at the afternoon. Even if he is free early during the week, that activity is not an option. Fortunately, Nico loves to watch series with me. Like every kid, it makes him happy that we both spend time doing something exclusive of the two of us. So, before dark, we watch one episode of a series, or a movie if its weekend.

This activity became a habit and it is part of our time together. Besides, it’s an excellent way to talk about various subjects, because Nico always has questions about what is happening on a series or movie, and who’s better than mom or dad to answer those questions?

Also, Nico is at that age where he is not only interested in cartoons, but also series and movies focused on 12-13-year-old kids, so watching them together is important, it helps him understand certain events that are new to him. Like every other kid, my son asks questions about everything, so after an episode ends, we spend some time talking about it.

There are many classics, like Harry Potter, that we’ve already seen and I’m sure you have as well, that’s why they are not on this list.

I want to recommend 5 series/movies that we’ve seen and enjoyed a lot together lately:

1. Enola Holmes (movie) 2020 – Netflix Original

Synopsis: While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart her brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft and help a runaway lord.

Nico and I enjoyed this movie so much, and it’s also filled with positive messages. Enola is an amazing girl, she has many skills and qualities, she is very smart and brave. When the movie ended, I asked Nico what he liked most about the movie and it was precisely that, Enola’s personality. Nico admires her a lot.

2. Julie and The Phantoms (series) 2020 – Netflix Original

Synopsis: Julie lost her passion for music when her mom passed away. But, when 3 teenage ghosts show up, they cheer her up and decide to start a band together.

This is Nico’s favorite series at the moment. He loves musicals so this one nailed it! I can’t deny that I loved it too. Nowadays, one of his favorite things to do, is listen to their music and singalong.

3. The New Legends of Monkey (series) 2018 – Netflix Original

Synopsis: A brave young girl releases the Monkey King, a god trapped in a stone for hundreds of years, in order to find the seven scrolls and save the world from evil.

This adventure was fun to watch. The Monkey King is a bit snob and must adapt to his new circumstances. The series seems a bit old-school, it feels like a series from the 90s, but it has action, comedy and messages about friendship. It’s perfect for kids.

4. The Flash (series) 2014 – The CW

Synopsis: Barry Allen is searching for his mother’s murderer, while his alter ego, The Flash, protects Central City from powerful villains.

The CW has released many series from DC Comics’ characters, but this is the only one Nico likes and enjoys a lot. I think that for his age, this one is actually the most appropriate of them all. This series shares many messages about friendship, principles and about always doing the right thing. Barry is a man who, despite all the things he’s been through, is uncapable of hurting others, no matter how evil they can be. Nico always starts conversations about this series and enjoys a lot the theories presented about time travel, timelines and the multiverse.

5. Stranger Things (series) 2016 – Netflix Original

Synopsis: Strange things are afoot in Hawkins, Indiana, where a young boy’s sudden disappearance unearths a young girl with otherworldly powers.

At first, I wasn’t sure about letting Nico watch this series, I thought he might get scared and not sleep at night. It wasn’t like that at all. I gave it a chance because he was very curious about it and he really enjoyed it. It’s one of his favorite series ever, he loves de plot, the unconditional friendship of the kids, the music, and above all, Eleven. Nico is a huge fan of hers. We used to comment after each episode and Nico had his own theories. I was also happy, because I love Stranger Things, and it was awesome to watch it again with Nico.

A little ending note

Our kids are inevitably exposed to a screen. It’s part of their world but, as parents, we can limit that screen time and make sure that if they are watching, at least they watch positive content. Also, it is important to spend time with them during that time, because if they watch a scene they don’t understand, or a tough event happens, who better that us to explain it to them?

Tell me, what do you think? I’d really appreciate it if you can recommend a series or movie to watch with my kid this season!

Xoxo,

Cupcakes & Harmony

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5 series/movies recommended to watch with your kids