The Gorgeous Stage Play of “Spirited Away” Now Available to Stream!
The film and play help children witness a 10-year-old child in transition– moving away from her friends and her life, moving away from following her parents’ instructions, and remembering who you are and where you came from while also learning to move on. Continue reading The Gorgeous Stage Play of “Spirited Away” Now Available to Stream!
“Out Think the Classics” Podcast Presents The Wicked Witch of the West (Exploring Evil, Ep 1)
We’re kicking off a podcast series called “OutThink the Classics,” part of my own personal quest to contextualize classic pop culture for modern families.
Our first series is “Exploring Evil,” where we will explore the concept of evil in classical kids’ stories. We start this journey with the Wicked Witch of the West– can’t you just hear her theme music now?
Please welcome Family Therapist Lauren Mazzarese and Freelance Arts Manager Lia Kozatch to dig into the iconography and cultural impact of our favorite green witch, and discover some surprising parenting advice along the yellow brick road. Continue reading “Out Think the Classics” Podcast Presents The Wicked Witch of the West (Exploring Evil, Ep 1)
Introducing our new podcast, OutThink the Classics!
OutThink the Classics is the podcast of OutThink Media, where we offer context and conversations to help you evaluate and curate movies, TV, YouTube, and more. Continue reading Introducing our new podcast, OutThink the Classics!
The Marvels: When the Villain is the Hero of Their Own Story
I could say so much about The Marvels: how I could watch Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel) forever; how Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) lets emotions leak past her “I’m fine” face; and how Teyonah Parris (Monica Rambeau/Spectrum?) perfectly blends childhood betrayal and performing her duty even if- and especially when- they conflict.
Maybe one day, I will share some critique of the film, but today is not that day. Continue reading The Marvels: When the Villain is the Hero of Their Own Story
The MrBeast Cheating Controversy Shows Your Kids How Editing Tells the Story
The allegations that Creator Rosanna Pansino has recently brought against MrBeast’s Creator Games 3 is an important lesson for kids to learn about YouTubers so they can view their favorite channels critically. Continue reading The MrBeast Cheating Controversy Shows Your Kids How Editing Tells the Story
Musings on Miyazaki by a Parent Who Feels Seen
They had me at Soot Sprites; it was a lovely way to unwind from a hectic day of playdates and working from home, from setting up and cleaning up from painting adventures, and just from life in general. Continue reading Musings on Miyazaki by a Parent Who Feels Seen
A Parent Primer For “Five Nights at Freddie’s”
It’s Chuck-E-Cheese meets Freddy Krueger. It’s actually Showbiz Pizza meets Freddy Krueger if you want to get really specific. Continue reading A Parent Primer For “Five Nights at Freddie’s”
How to (Try to) Prevent Your Kids From Seeing Violent Images
Given the incidents occurring in Israel and the Middle East, and threats of violent imagery being spread across social media, I asked my friend and parental controls expert Shelley Delayne to help families understand extra precautions to take and conversations around it. Continue reading How to (Try to) Prevent Your Kids From Seeing Violent Images
SAG/AFTRA Strikes For Children’s Rights to a Safer Set
AI is just one hot button issue at play; Safeguarding a child actor’s time and experience on set are also under negotiation, and starts even before they get the role. Continue reading SAG/AFTRA Strikes For Children’s Rights to a Safer Set
VidCon 2023: Is It Good For Kids?
2010’s “homemade online videos” are 2023’s multi-million dollar enterprises.
“VidCon has 20,000 14-to-20-year-olds. It’s a hard to reach, savvy audience. They’re all making videos and posting. It’s the most media-savvy group in world.” Continue reading VidCon 2023: Is It Good For Kids?
A Tale of Mutant Turtle Acceptance
It might be one of the first times in modern cinema when the goal is to get into high school and not break out of it. Continue reading A Tale of Mutant Turtle Acceptance
Why was Ruby Franke Arrested? Parenting Advice with a Side of Pain
Reports directly from the police state that a child climbed out of a window and asked a neighbor for food and water. Neighbors saw duct tape on the child’s hand and wrists, along with open wounds. Continue reading Why was Ruby Franke Arrested? Parenting Advice with a Side of Pain
Illinois Tells Family Vloggers to Pay Their Kids: YouTube News
The First Law to Regulate Family Vlogs on YouTube Until last week, there was no guarantee that a child who is featured in their family’s monetized YouTube channel would ever see a dime. YouTube Help cites some guidelines for minors, but only about the kind of content they can participate in. Now, vlogging parents in Illinois must open and maintain a trust for their children. … Continue reading Illinois Tells Family Vloggers to Pay Their Kids: YouTube News
Who’s Suing MrBeast?
MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, staked his reputation on a ghost kitchen, and now they’re embroiled in lawsuits. Continue reading Who’s Suing MrBeast?
The Sad Ballad of Miranda Sings
What parents need to know about the Colleen Ballinger controversy and how to protect your children. Continue reading The Sad Ballad of Miranda Sings
Mattel vs The Matriarchy: How the Barbie Movie Shows that Misogyny & Toxic Masculinity Must Be Taught
We watch Ken, who Ryan Gosling manages to play with both artificial sincerity and heart-wrenching nuance, go from needing to prove himself as Barbie’s love/friend interest to feeling great while she experiences misogyny in The Real World. Continue reading Mattel vs The Matriarchy: How the Barbie Movie Shows that Misogyny & Toxic Masculinity Must Be Taught
7 Ways to Show Your Kids the Power of YouTube Influencers Over Their Brains
Influencer marketing is under fire again thanks to Logan Paul and KSI’s new Prime Energy Drink. Continue reading 7 Ways to Show Your Kids the Power of YouTube Influencers Over Their Brains
YouTube Merch Part 3: MrBeast
Who is MrBeast? MrBeast is the most-subscribed-to individual YouTuber who engineers large-scale challenges where people compete for even larger amounts of money. His estimated net worth is $500 million, so you can imagine how in demand his merch is. MrBeast Merch [UPDATE 5/6/2024] In early May, Donaldson separated from his manager for multiple years., Reed Duchscher of Night Media, after six years together. For those … Continue reading YouTube Merch Part 3: MrBeast
YouTube Merch Part 2: Hug a Horror Friend
As a child of the 80s, it takes a minute to shift my expectations around toys; mainly, that they don’t want Care Bears or He-Man as much as a plushie of a monster. Continue reading YouTube Merch Part 2: Hug a Horror Friend
YouTube Merch Part 1: 7 Reasons Not to Buy Prime Energy Drink
I felt like I had never heard of this drink and then BAM! It was everywhere. Continue reading YouTube Merch Part 1: 7 Reasons Not to Buy Prime Energy Drink
How to Learn Yo-yo Tricks on YouTube
One thing I love about yo-yo YouTube is that it’s mostly wholesome, safe for all kids to watch, truly work as tutorials, and shows kids that even a hobby like the yo-yo can be turned into a challenging career. Continue reading How to Learn Yo-yo Tricks on YouTube
Last Month in Kids’ Media: April 2023
The Super Mario Movie, Peter Pan & Wendy, The LIttle Mermaid, and I want to watch The Barbie Movie?!?!?!? Plus TikTok Goes to Washington, Apple Barks Back, Link Learns to Cook, and YouTube Shorts Come Up Short.
Video Game Review: Bloons Tower Defense 6
I won’t lie. I was super confused when I first played Bloons Tower Defense 6. I need to buy monkeys? And shoot down balloons with magic or military weapons? Oh, not balloons, but bloons? What are bloons? Continue reading Video Game Review: Bloons Tower Defense 6
Cover Reveal: Don’t Go Over the Bridge!
Turn the pages to travel back to a time before social media, in a world that included basic cable and dial-up internet.
I live in Orlando, but I can’t afford to take my kids to Disney World all the time. Here’s how we spend a cheap but entertaining day in Disney Springs instead.
I start at the Lime Garage before grabbing drinks at The Polite Pig.
Oakland’s Lynchings
In 1950 and 1951, the Ku Klux Klan brutally murdered two young Black men from Oakland who worked in the citrus fields. For decades, the stories were passed down in whispers—if they were shared at all. Now, the town is finally, publicly, acknowledging what happened 70 years ago.
E-Learning Lessons for Schools to Retain
The answer, according to school leaders at October’s Jing International School Expo panel, is empathy, flexibility, and a multi-pronged approach that looks at all stakeholders in the school community: students, parents, and staff.
Baba’s Not a Buffoon: Dads Play a Big Role in Early Childhood Development
he trope of the absentee or deadbeat dad is so pervasive that it often seems like a lazy way to motivate your protagonist. Think of your top five movies and then try to name one whose dad is a good influence, or even alive.
Continue reading Baba’s Not a Buffoon: Dads Play a Big Role in Early Childhood Development
Navigating a Rare Illness in Another Country
When my husband was six years old, a tonsillectomy almost killed him.
Continue reading Navigating a Rare Illness in Another Country
20 for 20: Great Wall Explorer William Lindesay
William Lindesay has achieved what few foreigners could imagine: his name is synonymous with The Great Wall of China. Lindesay first arrived in Beijing with the goal to journey from the start to the end of the Wall, but his adventures here just kept going! He’s known for hiking the Wall and capturing its entirety via a drone (that originally his sons encouraged him to … Continue reading 20 for 20: Great Wall Explorer William Lindesay
20 for 20: Newsweek Beijing Bureau Chief Melinda Liu
Newsweek’s Beijing Bureau Chief Melinda Liu once considered Beijing a stop on her way to living around the world.
Continue reading 20 for 20: Newsweek Beijing Bureau Chief Melinda Liu
Primer: PlayStation 5 Parental Controls
Having gone through this with the Nintendo Switch and streaming services, the PS5 gets huge points for its simplicity and flexibility. Continue reading Primer: PlayStation 5 Parental Controls
Review: Is “Sackboy: A Big Adventure” the Cutest Co-op Video Game Ever?
Everything about Sackboy is delightful. Go on a solo or multiplayer co-op adventure with the seriously cutest hero ever. Continue reading Review: Is “Sackboy: A Big Adventure” the Cutest Co-op Video Game Ever?
Is MrBeast Good for Kids?
I don’t have a lot of objective criticism for MrBeast’s main YouTube channel. He’s a 24-year-old who makes a massive amount of money through YouTube’s Ad Sense (he has 124 million subscribers) and brand sponsorships. His videos just aren’t my style. Continue reading Is MrBeast Good for Kids?
YouTube Review: MrBeast
MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, started making video games at 13 years-old because he was obsessed with what makes a great YouTube video, analyzing the data on audience retention, and continuing to “make the best videos possible,” as you’ll hear him repeat in a number of interviews. Continue reading YouTube Review: MrBeast
Primer: 5 Ways to Evaluate a Roblox Game and its Developers
Is Roblox safe for kids to play? It depends on a number of factors, including who created the game. Continue reading Primer: 5 Ways to Evaluate a Roblox Game and its Developers
It Takes Two (to Screw With Your Kid)
The storyline is that parents May and Cody tell their daughter they’re getting a divorce. Then their daughter Rose’s tears turn her parents into dolls who must battle bosses like a neglected vacuum cleaner. Continue reading It Takes Two (to Screw With Your Kid)
Coming to Terms With Five Nights at Freddie’s (But We Still Don’t Play the Game)
It’s Chuck-E-Cheese meets Freddy Krueger. It’s actually Showbiz Pizza meets Freddy Krueger if you want to get really specific. Continue reading Coming to Terms With Five Nights at Freddie’s (But We Still Don’t Play the Game)
YouTube Review: StampyCat
Stampy Longhead, AKA StampyCat, AKA Stampy, AKA Joseph Mark Garrett, is a British YouTuber who rose to prominence on YouTube thanks to his Minecraft playthroughs, where he created Stampy’s Lovely World and pushed the boundaries of the game in family-friendly, fans-first, ways. Continue reading YouTube Review: StampyCat
Tis the Season: Kids and Advertising
My son was three years old when he watched commercials for the first time. So when he said he needed Gatorade out of the blue, a drink he’d never known before that day, I asked him why. Continue reading Tis the Season: Kids and Advertising
New on Disney+: Zootopia+ and the Lessons in Zootopia the film
The movie offers multiple occasions to start the discussion around stereotypes, and how even in society where people/anthropomorphic animals live in peace, we all still live with implicit bias. Continue reading New on Disney+: Zootopia+ and the Lessons in Zootopia the film
Shark, LifeOfShark, and SharkAttack: YouTube Reviews
Take the opportunity to talk through some emotional language and get as specific about how they would label Shark and his friends’ behaviors as you can. Continue reading Shark, LifeOfShark, and SharkAttack: YouTube Reviews
Using Kids’ Media to Teach Emotional Language: Charlie Brown
Use different forms of media to get them to see what you mean. If you’re naming a feeling “disappointed,” that doesn’t mean anything to them. But if you can see Charlie Brown does not get invited to any Christmas parties, they can see that and empathize with him. Especially if they’re not getting invited on playdates Continue reading Using Kids’ Media to Teach Emotional Language: Charlie Brown
Lessons to be Mined From Mario, Minecraft, and More
It’s hard to separate the parental stigma of screen time and video games from very real lessons my kids learn from their games. I’ve witnessed real-life social, developmental, and educational skills children learn while playing video games like Minecraft, Roblox, Civilization, and more. Continue reading Lessons to be Mined From Mario, Minecraft, and More
How “The Bad Guys” Teach Kids Empathy
Up until this point, villains had been pretty straightforward for him: the evil stepmother in “Cinderella,” Cruella DeVille and her penchant for puppy coats, and the mean guy Gaston. They’re all marked as “the bad guys” from the start, and we aren’t meant to empathize with them. So I found it very exciting to discuss how someone can be labeled “bad” and turned into a villain, even with no control. Continue reading How “The Bad Guys” Teach Kids Empathy
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Primer: Teach Kids to Be YouTube Smart
I was no novice to YouTube, but the world of YouTube gamers? For a while, at least one parent was in the same room while they watched tutorials, that couldn’t always be the case. And if we both had meetings at the same time, then the kids wanted to watch it with their headphones on. Continue reading Primer: Teach Kids to Be YouTube Smart