Netflix #StreamTeam Alerts Kindness & Respect August 2014

Many parents have already started the back-to-school shopping and preparation.  By the end of August, most children will be back in school, and the states that aren't will go back soon after that. Children around the world will be excited to see their friends and start a new year.  While parents are thinking about the material their children will be taught, it's also never too early to start thinking about life lessons taught outside the classroom.

Netflix's theme for back-to-school season this year is kindness. They are taking a cue from the newly released series Derek.  This original series is a great way to foster a conversation about acceptance with your teens. This program is from the creative mind of Ricky Gervais, a comedy genius with fans of all ages, this mockumentary style comedy-drama makes tough decisions more approachable.  Derek's mantra of acceptance, no matter age or ability, inspired Netflix's list of television and movie choices which are listed below.  Showing Derek to your teens would be a great resource in reminding them to see the good in everyone.  In the end, teaching values of kindness and acceptance is just as important as any academic learning.

Now that I'm having my first child in November, these are the kinds of talks I will have to have with my child in the future.  It's difficult knowing that my child will encounter people who won't always like them and will have mean or hurtful things to say to them.  Children can be cruel and certainly don't treat everyone equally. It's a parent's job to teach their child from an early age to treat others with respect and kindness.  

Netflix has relevant titles that promote this month's theme for older children:

1.Rudy

2. Mulan

3. A Mile in His Shoes

4. Radio

5. Good Luck Charlie: Down a Tree
6. Glee

Of course you can't forget about the younger children either.  They will enjoy watching the following shows:

1. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Vol 1. Ep 6: Friends Help Each Other

2. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Season 3, Ep 4. One Bad Apple.

3. Arthur, Season 15, Ep 8: Muffy's Classic Classy Club/Best Enemies

4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

5. Super Why, Season 1, Ep 61: The Ugly Duckling Became a Swan

6. The Fox and The Hound

It's never too early to teach your child manners and respect.  Teach and guide them with kindness and they will do the same for others.