Comments on Taking the Lid off the Sun: Media Sensitivity in Crystal Kids

Hi Stacy ~ I so agree with you on all counts you ...

2009-08-23T13:35:33.000-07:00

Hi Stacy ~ I so agree with you on all counts you mentioned. It really was against my better judgment that we showed the movies to him at all. I guess it was more out of our curiosity of how he would react to them. Part way through Peter Pan, my husband and I looked at each other and said, "That's enough of that. No more movies," exactly because of the violence and the mismatch of values. (I never realized Tinkerbell was such a jealous and spiteful little pixie. That escaped me as a child.)

I think you're right that most people in our society are insensitive, or at least de-sensitized. If we don't like a lot of what we're seeing in society, then it behooves us to stop and think about which messages we choose to allow into our families. Our sensitive little ones know what feels right and what doesn't. They're counting on us to listen to them and respect them. It is heartening to know there are other mothers like you who are listening and evaluating so carefully and consciously.

As for Lucas' uniqueness, whether we call it "crystal" or not, there are droves of kids as "unique" as he is. Like you said, not everyone is paying attention to them as carefully as you and I are paying attention to our kids, and the pain they're feeling as a result of this misunderstanding is profound.

This is what seems to be unfolding as my mission here in this life: helping these kids by pointing their parents in the direction of paying closer attention, respecting the uniqueness, and nurturing the gifts in their children. The "how" of this mission is not yet really clear, other than this blog and the book I'm writing.

I'm inspired by you and other conscious moms I've met, though it's discouraging and overwhelming to see that we're still such a minority. My book may deeply touch the twenty people who read it, but I'm at a loss to know how to reach people who aren't already thinking along these lines. Time will tell, I suppose.

Thanks for your engagement here on this blog! I appreciate you and learn so much from you!

Cheers!
Alexis

It's very interesting for me to read your post...

2009-08-23T05:02:25.000-07:00

It's very interesting for me to read your posts on crystal children... I have read little to no information about the concept and have only having heard of it peripherally.

That said, I would not show my kids (who are six and almost three) any of the movies you mentioned. Even though the movies are purportedly "made for kids," they still contain violent and intense scenes and furthermore, present and support ideas and values that I do share (e.g., seeking revenge, going to battle when in disagreement rather than talking it over, et al). You're right, even the simplest things can really reach their core -- things that the director of the film added exactly to elicit an increased emotional response.

I have never thought of my children as particularly sensitive (or indigo or crystal) but I am realizing that I do consider most people in this society to be particular INsensitive (or out of touch with their feelings). In fact, I find the "sensitive" or emotional responses of children to scenes in movies or after learning about things in reality to be appropriate... I see the lack of emotional response from most people to be the problem! :)

By the way, I wanted say that I am not trying to make a statement about whether or not Lucas' is "crystal," or not. He does strike me as unique, but he also has a mama who is highly in tune and aware of him. Think of all the kids who might share his gifts but who have no one "listening" to them.

And one last piece I see here... A core part of my parenting journey was uncovering many of the hidden (in plain sight) values of my society. Kids are a great guide in this respect, as our job as parents is to "socialize" them into our culture. I really woke up to the messages our society holds and by refusing to pass certain ones on and by listening to my children's intuitive responses and understandings, I do feel we have been given a gift to see beyond the everyday.

Such a great point, Katybeth!

2009-08-18T08:25:12.000-07:00

Such a great point, Katybeth!

Cole never had a problem with "violent media&...

2009-08-15T22:26:37.000-07:00

Cole never had a problem with "violent media" as long as it did not were associated with "HIS real life." At age 8 or so we had to leave
"A Series of Unfortunate Events" because lets face it orphaned children, their house burning to the ground and a wicked guardian replacing the childrens loving parents was not "fun" for my 8 year old. James Bond no problem.
I can totally see Lucas point of view....Captain Cook is no problem, compared to losing your Teddy Bear!
What a fun party! How Lucky were you!!
Kb