Parent’s Guide: Is the 2023 Barbie Movie a Yes or a No for Kids?

Hello fellow parents!

There's a new Barbie in town, and she’s not just confined to a pink box – she’s a big-screen superstar. Margot Robbie plays our beloved doll, and let me tell you, this isn’t the Barbie world we remember. So, I took a break from real life, grabbed some popcorn, and watched the film, all to answer the burning question: Is this movie kid-approved? 🍿 Let's dive in.

A Barbie Who’s More Like Us

This movie introduces us to a Barbie who isn't satisfied with her perfect Barbie Land life. Guided by the quirky and wise Weird Barbie (love Kate McKinnon’s zingers in this one), our girl Barbie is on a mission to discover herself. The movie is applauded for its progressive themes, emphasizing the complexities of being a woman in today's world and promoting a brand of feminism that is inclusive of all women. It encourages women to support one another and break free from societal standards. It places great emphasis on self-discovery and autonomy.

Grown-Up Themes in a Doll’s World

Now, here’s the scoop. The movie is a big leap towards breaking gender stereotypes (Ken, voiced by Ryan Gosling, knows ‘crying’s not weak’, and I am here for it 🙌). It shouts loud that feminism is for everyone and takes a jab at the messy business of being a woman today. But, it comes with a side of PG-13 sass – words like "damn," "hell," and some suggestive humor. Not quite the language we use at the dinner table, eh? Some of this humor might fly right over our little ones' heads or, worse, lead to some very interesting questions on the drive home.

The Big Question: To Watch or Not to Watch?

Here's my heart-to-heart advice: for the teens in the house, this might be more than just a movie. It could be the start of an empowering conversation about self-acceptance and challenging societal norms. But for our younger stars? The PG-13 rating is there for a reason. The language and themes might just be a tad too ‘real world’ for them.

Now, let’s talk about our kids as the unique individuals they are. We all know that age is just a number, and maturity doesn’t always match up with how many candles are on the birthday cake. 🎂 Some of our kiddos might be wise beyond their years and totally ready for the themes this Barbie movie delves into. Others, even if they’re approaching the teen years, might still be more comfortable in a world where Barbie is just, well, a doll.

Take a moment to think about your own child. Are they curious about the bigger world and showing signs that they’re starting to grapple with these more complex issues? Or are they content in the simpler, more innocent phases of childhood? And perhaps most importantly, will this movie be meaningful to them, or will it just introduce topics they’re not quite ready to explore?

Trust your instincts – you know your child better than anyone. If your gut says they’re ready and that this film could spark valuable family conversations, it might be worth the trip to the movie theater (or a family movie night at home). But if something’s telling you it’s not time yet, there are plenty of other fantastic movies that can deliver giggles and joy without pushing the envelope.

The bottom line? This is a ‘know your child’ moment. It’s our job as parents to guide their way, even when that way is through the magical (and sometimes complex) world of movies. 🍿🎥

So, with all these factors in mind, how can we, as parents, make the best decision? To help you navigate this, I've put together a simple checklist. Take a few minutes to go through it and consider each point. It’s designed to help you evaluate whether this Barbie adventure is a good fit for your own shining star. 🌟

Is Your Child Ready for the 2023 Barbie Movie? 🍿🎥

1. Age and Maturity

   • Is your child in the age group that the PG-13 rating targets (13 years and older)?

   • Does your child typically handle themes aimed at older audiences well?

2. Understanding of Complex Themes

   • Can your child understand and process themes related to feminism and self-acceptance?

   • Are they curious and asking questions about societal norms and expectations?

3. Language Sensitivity

   • Are you comfortable with your child hearing mild swear words and suggestive language?

   • Has your child been exposed to similar language in movies before without issues?

4. Emotional Readiness

   • Is your child able to separate movie fiction from reality?

   • Can they handle emotional or dramatic scenes without becoming overly distressed?

5. Post-Movie Conversations

   • Are you prepared to have conversations with your child about the themes and language in the movie?

   • Do you feel that these conversations could be meaningful and constructive for your child?

6. Interest Level

   • Is your child genuinely interested in the movie, or is it more for nostalgic reasons as a parent?

✅ If you checked most of these boxes, your child might be ready for the Barbie Movie experience.

❌ If you found yourself leaving most of these unchecked, it might be best to hold off for now and consider other movie options.

So, what's the plan, parents? Are you giving this Barbie adventure a thumbs up or down for your family? 👍👎