Wednesday, December 03, 2008

What a difference two years makes

I advised the children that in the nature documentary we were about to watch, March of the Penguins, some of the penguins and their chicks "don't survive."

"They die?" asks my five-year-old son. "Is it fiction or non-fiction?"

"Non-fiction. It's the real world, just on camera."

My son's face goes white, his lips turn blue. "I don't want to watch it," the boy says in between sobs.

"I do," says the three-year-old girl. "I like it when people die," she says enthusiastically.

"They aren't people. They are penguins," I tell her.

"Oh. Yeah! I like to watch penguins die!" she nods with a smile.

She just wants to watch the movie and will say anything to get me to put it in the DVD player. Or else she is the next Aileen Wuornos.

What my son doesn't remember is that he saw this DVD two years ago, and didn't have a single negative reaction to the "Circle of Life," as it is referred to by a certain entertainment organization. I think mine grow into their sensitivity gradually.

3 comments:

Shiona said...

I certainly hope she isn't on her way to becoming the next Aileen Wuornos. She must be curious about what it going on in the movie and why N doesn't want to watch it. She must figure it has to be good to make my big brother upset.

Christa M. Miller said...

My 5yo got angry/upset at the optometrist yesterday during my eye exam. It wasn't fear of the machines or anything other than his dislike of the idea that his parents are limited. Sigh.

Mary Louisa said...

Shiona, I think she was extremely curious. She ended up liking it very much! She actually loves penguins and nature. All animals, really.

Christa, YIKES! Poor kid. (and poor blind mommy)