Addressing Tough Situations with Kids #StreamTeam

Addressing tough situations with kids — How do we broach certain topics without making things awkward or difficult for our kids?

Parenting  is not for the faint of heart.

When Little One was an infant, I worried about things like whether she was feeding enough, sleeping enough, growing enough, and meeting all her milestones.  Yes, on numerous occasions, I even reenacted that classic “Terms of Endearment” crib scene where Aurora awakens her baby, Emma because she is worried her baby has succumbed to infant crib death.

Now my worries are different.  There seems to be far more things to consider now that Little One is seven years old (seven going on seventeen?).  Is she getting all the nutrients she needs to grow into a strong, healthy kid? Is she doing well in school? Is she growing as she should cognitively, developmentally/physically, and emotionally? Does she have friends? What’s her school life like? Is she happy?

I often wonder how my daughter will deal with peer pressure.

As parents, we cannot keep our kids in a bubble, but can equip them with the tools they need to deal with tough situations they are presented with, and hope that they make the right decisions for themselves.

I think Little One gets it.  We were watching an episode on Fuller House where Jackson realizes he needs to stand up for what he knows is right and not give in to please his friend.

I’ve actually seen my daughter in situations like this one where she could A) Do what her friends tell her to do just so she could fit in or B) Go against the grain and be okay knowing she made the right decision.  For example, recently we were at a gathering and two of the children were jumping all over the furniture at another person’s house.  One child tried to coerce Little One and insisted that she jump from couch to couch like the others were.  To my surprise (and relief), Little One retorted with, “No thanks. My Mommy said I’m not allowed to jump on furniture – especially when it doesn’t belong to us.”

Teamwork.

Because Little One is an only child, people naturally assume that she is not a very good team player and that she wants her way all the time.  This is actually far from the truth.  She’s not the pied piper, but she’s not a sheep either. This said, she hangs out with a lot of girls who, like her, have strong personalities.  There’s a lot of learning required when it comes to being a leader and also when conceding is necessary.

Certain Netflix titles have been useful in helping Little One when it comes to these kinds of lessons. In S1E3 of Project MC2, the girls learn all about team work when they band together in science and friendship.

Responsibilities.

Discipline and responsibilities are another area Little One is learning about. It’s tough being a kid and wanting to do what you want to do, and not wanting to maintain your responsibilities.

Little One has been watching Dance Academy, and what I love the most is that the show is about dance students at a prestigious Australian dance academy and the characters are learning to navigate their way through lessons not just regarding dance, but in relationships with peers as well. Discipline, responsibilities, and other important topics are what the show focuses on. Sometimes, when trying to teach Little One about responsibilities, she is a bit resistant.  However, when watching Dance Academy, she picks up on the moral of the story, without Mom having to tell her.  Sometimes life’s lessons are tough. Sometimes the right decisions at the time are the most difficult ones.

Netflix has family-friendly titles that explore a range of tough situations and real-life issues.

For little kids: 

Sibling Rivalry
Watch Ep. S1E1: Babee’s Room

Responsibility
Watch Ep. S1E1: Puppies & Guppies/Sorry We’re Closed Today

Following the Rules
Watch Ep. S1E6: Stormy Weather/ Baba’s Adventure/ Rock Music

For big kids:

Self-Love
Watch Ep. S1E13: Star

Teamwork
Watch Ep. S1E3: Smart is the New Cool

Peer Pressure
Watch Ep. S1E6: The Legend of El Explosivo

For teens:

Actions Have Consequences
Watch Ep. S1E1&2: Pilot & Consequently

Self-Improvement
Watch Ep. S1E4: Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!

Body Image
Watch Ep. S1E16: Home

Whatever the parenting challenges, there is the perfect Netflix episode to help with those tough situations. At least that seems to be the case for us!

Disclosure – I am part of the Netflix Canada #StreamTeam.  As part of my affiliation, I receive special perks and info.  As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.