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by James Robertson.
Original Post: Sometimes I wonder
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A description of some "scary moments" deepens her conviction. The transformation of a beloved character into a werewolf? "That's just one of the really hot buttons," she says: Physical transformations and monsters are especially frightening to children under 7 or 8, who can't distinguish between imaginary creatures and real ones. The fact that it's a sympathetic character who's suddenly howling and baring his teeth only makes it more disturbing.
Now, this comes from a mother (who admits that she hasn't seen the film) of some kids that age - but still, it made me wonder if she had ever met any kids that age. My daughter was in that range when the first Potter flick came out, and was that age when "Fellowship of the Ring" came out. She had no trouble - either with the books or with the film - separating reality from fiction. Neither did any of her friends, many of whom are absolute Harry Potter fanatics.
I'm sure that there are kids who shouldn't see these films - but the point is, you have to make a judgement call based on knowing your kids. Making a blanket statement that kids that age "can't distinguish between imaginary creatures and real ones" is just silly. It reminds me of the many newspaper articles I stumble across from child psychologists... nearly every time I read one, I wonder if the so called "experts" being quoted have ever met any actual children.
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