This is one of those ‘you kind of had to be there’ stories, but I’ll do my best to tell it.
Backstory 1) There are video games that look like they are supposed to appeal to little kids, but they are actually garbage. The genre is ‘mascot horror’, and the cartoony characters are actually in a pretty scary situation. The game that a couple of kids were talking about was Garten of Banban. (I actually thought one of them was saying ‘Bam Bam’ – the little kid from the Flintstones, but I Google everything suspicious and sure enough, it’s rated for children 9 years or older.) I sent out a message to parents regarding this.
Backstory 2) I often have children telling me that they have watched movies that are rated PG-13. Actually, that is annoying to me, especially when they are superhero movies. Little kids love superheroes, so why don’t the production companies double their cash cow and make one version for adults – with all the gratuitous violence – and one for the little kids – with just flying, zooming and being strong? They are missing out on a whole market. Anyway, in that same message to parents, I reiterated something I said at the start of the summer – “As adults, we are supposed to be the filter between little children and the Big Bad World. We’re not supposed to introduce them to it.”
Backstory 3) I have a little boy who lives with his Dad. I was aware before he came to my class that he has watched things that are for older people. He is very sweet and very affectionate. He often comes up to me and rubs my back or arm softly and says, “I love you” with his sweet voice. This little boy’s dad also got a kindly-written, specific message this week when he kept talking about Banban.
Ok, current story: Friday, this boy came up to me and rubbed my arm softly, looked me in the eye and sweetly said, “You’re evil.”
I did not laugh. I said, “Tell me why you think I’m evil.”
“Dad took my phone away.”
(Inwardly cheering) “Was it the phone that had those videos that aren’t for little kids?”
“Yes.”
“I think your Dad loves you and is trying to keep your heart and brain safe. I’m glad he loves you so much. Do you need a hug?”
“Yes.”
Then he was back to playing. So there you have it. I don’t even care if his Dad threw me under the bus and blamed me for the phone going away. I consider it a win.
Signed, Evil Lauren
Deborah says
Yay!!! Take the win.
Beth says
Wait! Does that mean your superhero name has changed?
Kristi says
You win for the month with that one!!!!
Brad says
I’m glad to hear you’re helping with those things. Being careful about what and how much they watch is still a struggle even when they’re in middle school.
Jill says
Man. That got me in the feels. Good job, Evil Lauren.