MOM'S TALK: How Do You Decide Which Movies Are Appropriate For Your Kids?

Are the parent of a Twi-hard? A teen or tween devotee of the vampire/adventure/love story novel series (and now movie series) created by author Stephenie Meyer?

For those who aren't in the know, the fourth installment of the movie series about this vampire thriller and teen love story is coming out in a mere matter of months. Called Breaking Dawn,this is part one of the final chapter of the saga.

My fifth-grade daughter wants to see it.

I have read all the books. I know what's going to happen.

SPOILER ALERT: If the movie follows the book, there's going to be some sex scenes and some pretty signficant gore.

Now, I let my kiddo see the first few films. She's mature and thoughtful, and I thought she would handle it just fine. I was right. We saw the movies together and she liked them. 

So, when she asked me about the latest film, she said she heard that it was going to be rated R. I had heard that the film was wrestling between a PG-13 and an R rating. Frankly, I'd suspect the filmmakers would want to go with a PG-13 to get the most audience, but who knows.

Still the problem lies.

When I was my daugther's age, the big movie at the time was the movie adaptation of Grease with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. It too, had some sophiscated themes (sex, drinking, and the like). My parents though, didn't bat an eye at it. They were very comfortable with me watching it. 

In fact, I had a slumber birthday party at my house with my friends when the movie came to cable television. We dressed like the characters  (I was a Pink Lady in case you were wondering) and we all watched the movie. I do remember my mom making sure it was okay with all the parents first. No one seemed to object. 

Of course, this film didn't have death, blood, sex and vampires.

So, how do you determine what movie is right for your child? What is your screening criteria? How do you handle it when your child objects to your decisions? What if your child's friends' parents OK the movie and you don't? Or the other way around? How do you respond?

I think there could be some pretty juicy discussion here, Patch readers. Join the discussion boards below and let us know your thoughts.