Navigating the Talk of Death with Our Kids: A Mom’s Take on Using Children’s Movies

As a mom, I’ve faced countless tough questions from my little ones, from “Where do babies come from?” to “Why is the sky blue?”. But nothing quite prepares you for the moment your child looks up with those innocent eyes and asks, “What happens when someone dies?” It’s a heart-stopping question, one I always knew I’d have to address someday. And here’s my little secret – I found children’s movies to be the gentle buffer in initiating this delicate conversation.

A Mother’s Perspective on Movies

Children’s movies, with their vibrant colors, lovable characters, and heartwarming tales, often embed profound life lessons within their storylines. They subtly discuss love, loss, friendships, and yes, even death, in ways that resonate with the young minds. I realized these films could be the soft entry into what’s otherwise a profound topic.

Movies That Touched My Heart (and theirs)

Over the years, I’ve come across several movies that handle the theme of death gracefully:

The Lion King: Oh, how we cried when Mufasa died! But it was also a window to discuss grief, healing, and remembering our loved ones.
Bambi: This one’s a classic. Bambi losing his mother was a gentle introduction to the inevitabilities of life and nature.

Our Post-Movie Heart-to-Hearts

After we snuggle up and watch one of these movies, I always set aside some quiet time. Here’s how our chats usually go:

  1. Curiosity-driven Questions: Instead of an interrogation, I might ask, “How did your heart feel when Simba missed Mufasa?” or “What do you think about Miguel’s great-grandma in Coco?”
  2. Honest Mom Moments: I’ve learned it’s okay not to have all the answers. “Sweetie, that’s something even adults like mommy are trying to understand…” often works wonders.
  3. Hugs and Reassurances: Sometimes, a big hug and a reminder that we’re here, together, now, is all they need.
  4. Reading Their Little Signs: There are days my kiddos are chatty, and days they aren’t. I’ve learned to go with the flow, ensuring they always know mom’s here when they’re ready.

Some Books We’ve Loved

After movies, bedtime stories have been our go-to. “The Invisible String” has been a favorite, weaving a tale of connections that death can’t sever.

Mom’s Conclusion

Being a parent means guiding our kids through the sunny and stormy parts of life. As their mom, I’ve found that tales, whether on screen or in books, can make some paths a little easier to tread. And in this journey, it’s not about having every answer; it’s about holding their hand, lending an ear, and navigating it all together.


P.S. If you’re a parent seeking more movie recommendations or ways to discuss their deeper themes, feel free to join our little community at 22:6 Flix. Let’s explore the magic of cinema together!

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I’m Noelle

22:6 Flix was born out of a simple question: “Is this movie right for my child?” In the vast sea of films and streaming content, it can be overwhelming for parents to find movies that resonate with their family values while still being entertaining for their little ones.

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