Throwing Stones

I try not to judge other mothers. Well...I judge them. I just try to not talk about it. But, I am going to do some judging here so hold on.


My husband and I went to see Tropic Thunder. It is a comedy with Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. The movie is about three actors filming a Vietnam War movie. It is a comedy and it is rated R. It's website states that it is rated R because of pervasive language including sexual references, violent content and drug references. Because of the Vietnam War theme, there was A LOT of violence. There were a lot of "F bombs" and a whole lot of swearing was going on. Since it is an adult movie and I am an adult, no problem. I knew what I was seeing and my husband really wanted to see this movie. I love the actors so I was all for it.


Right before the movie started a nice normal looking couple walks in with their five year old. Yes, into an R rated movie. As they were walking past me to their seat, the movie started with really offensive language. So offensive that I can't write about it here. They had their warning that it was going to be bad and they stayed. As I sat there, I started to think that maybe the little boy would sleep. Maybe I was being oversensitive. But no, during the movie, I heard him make some noise and he was wide awake when he walked out.


I was so irritated that it kept me from enjoying the movie. I was cringing for this child. As the lights came up at the end of the movie, I saw another set of normal looking parents sat with their 9 and 7 year old boys in the row in front of me. I had no idea that they were there until the movie was over. I probably would have embarrassed my husband so I am glad that I didn't see them until we left.

I can see taking an older child to an educational movie where you will discuss and there will be a moment to learn from. I could see taking an older child to Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda or Schindler's List. Tropic Thunder is pure comedy. People went there to laugh, not learn. I cannot think of one reason why these people brought their young children to this movie.

So, I am doing some judging here. I am judging the parents who first made a bad choice to walk into that movie. They made a bad choice to stay. They crossed a line that no child should cross at age 5. I think Cinemark should not allow a child into this sort of movie. I know the ratings are in place. I don't think it is effective. Nothing positive comes from a five year old seeing this movie. If parents can't make responsible decisions when choosing movies, maybe the movie companies should put some policies in place to help them in their decision. I know they won't do that but I am just saying.

So, I am throwing stones. I don't do it often but today, it had to be done.

Things Not to Teach Just Yet

When my oldest son was nearly 2, a dear friend came out of our bathroom and proudly said, "I just taught Ryan how to flush the toilet." She didn't have kids yet and thought she was doing me a favor.

A few weeks ago, my dear husband showed my oldest son how to give a wet willy. While my husband gets to escape daily to work, I am left with a five year old who thinks it is the funniest thing in the world to do to mom.

A couple of days ago, my dear husband was tickling our sons. I looked over and he was getting ready to give Ryan a wedgie. Yes, a wedgie. I gave him the look from hell. Luckily he stopped.

Yes, kids will learn the good and and the bad in time. We can't protect them or ourselves from everything. It is all about timing and survival.