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NEW MOON GIRLS: A Magazine By Girls For Girls

Genevieve Hinson — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:18:12 +0000

Girl Power! We’re used to hearing the term now, more than a decade after the Spice Girls made it popular, and are seeing more opportunities and support available for girls transitioning into womanhood. But what was available for girl empowerment before those words and ideology became an influence on society? Not much. Which is exactly what Nancy Gruver, mom to twin girls and founder of “New Moon Girls” magazine, discovered in the early 90s when she began searching for information.

Nancy Gruver, founder of "New Moon Girls" magazine.

“When my daughters were 9-years-old, I was thinking that my adolescence and my transition from girlhood into womanhood wasn’t a pretty memory. It was a lot of struggles and a lot of feelings like nobody understood,” Gruver said in an interview with MotherofConfusion.com. “I didn’t know what to try and do to make my daughters’ experience better than that. When I looked around in the early 90s, there was nothing there, no real resources, no research or discussion about these issues.”

The one piece of information Gruver did find was a book called “Meeting at the Crossroads: Women’s Psychology and Girls’ Development” by Lyn Mike Brown and Carol Gilligan. The writers asked the question: “What, on the way to womanhood, does a girl give up?” The answer came from interviews with 100 girls conducted over five years: The passage out of girlhood is a journey into silence and disconnection. At some point, girls will silence their inner voice and put others ahead of themselves.

When Gruver finished the book, she realized that’s what happened to her. She didn’t want that for her daughters. Then, in a flash, an idea was born. What about a magazine for junior girls where girls were in charge? It would be something young readers could connect with about the stages, emotions and physical aspects they may experience as they grow up. Girls could learn to listen to their inner voices, not ignore their needs and stop — or never start — always putting others first.

“I wanted to create a space where girls could be themselves, connect with other girls, be respected and challenged to do things and make the world a better place,” Gruver said.

She called a family meeting about her idea and everyone agreed to go for it – even though Gruver didn’t have journalism experience or know how to create a magazine. “New Moon Girls” was published for the first time on March 21, 1993. It focuses on helping girls discover and honor their true selves, build self-esteem and a positive body image.

Soon after the magazine launched, Gruver – and her editorial staff made up of girls — realized this was more than a magazine for girls by girls, it was a community. In recent years, the has magazine expanded to reflect that community online with their website and social networking platforms. Online, girls can share their poetry, artwork, videos, chat and learn together in a welcoming and safe environment. The site has over 70 trained volunteer moderators and a volunteer counselor. Also, another cool feature is the magazine and website are completely ad free.

“There’s so many ways that we (NewMoon.com) can give help and be supportive. I think of us as a safety net, but not as a way to prevent girls from doing things that might fail, or things that are risky — but as a place they can take a risk,” Gruver said. “And if it does fail, they have a safety net to catch them in the community, in the discussion forums, in their own creativity and it helps them grow and mature.”

Parents can use the magazine as a resource to find subjects as a conversation opener and visit a sister site, Daughters.com, for a parent-to-parent community and resources.

Almost twenty years after the magazine has launched, Gruver has seen great strides in women empowerment. The dream of growing up to be the first woman president is already a reality for some countries – and we see more and more women in positions of governance and decision making every day.

The one thing that Gruver would like any girl to gain from the magazine?

“Their voice, their thoughts, their perspective and contributions are important in the world and the world needs them.”

Subscription to the magazine and a membership to the site is $34.95 for 12 months. This includes 6 bimonthly issues and online community access.

“New Moon Girls” Extras!

- Friend Nancy Gruver with “New Moon Girls” on Twitter
- Read Nancy’s blog
- Parents: Become a fan of “New Moon Girls” on Facebook

The Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac: Anita Silvey’s daily love letter to a book

Sneak Peek: Jake And The Neverland Pirate Band At “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade”

Genevieve Hinson — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:41:01 +0000

Photos courtesy of Disney.

Check out The Never Land Pirate Band and Jake, from Disney Junior’s series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” taping their performance for the 28th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special. The band will perform a pirate-themed holiday tune during the telecast, which airs nationwide December 25 on ABC-TV.

Also — Some of the other stars who are set to appear during the telecast, which was filmed at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Christina Aguilera and headliner/teen sensation Justin Bieber, as well as Academy® Award-winning actress and multi-platinum singer Jennifer Hudson, singer/songwriter and producer Cee Lo Green, platinum-record rockers OneRepublic, “American Idol” Season 10 winner and country crooner Scotty McCreery, Zendaya and Bella Thorne from Disney Channel’s hit series “Shake It Up” and the McClain Sisters, featuring China Ann McClain, star of Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm.”

Photo courtesy of Disney.

Disney Gets Merry With “Disney Princess: A Royal Christmas!” App

Genevieve Hinson — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:58:05 +0000

The holidays are here and so is the “Disney Princess: A Royal Christmas!” app. While the world is wondering how Will and Kate are going to spend their first royal Christmas, kids can feel like they’re participating in royal celebrations with Disney’s latest app.

The little ones, and parents, can explore how three Disney princesses celebrate the holidays – from beach-side gatherings to New Orleans feasts. Cinderella’s holiday includes a merry mix-up when her Fairy Godmother adds a bit of magic. Ariel surprises family and friends with a treasure hunt, and then Tiana hosts a yuletide celebration that features a jolly, unplanned guest.

The app features:
·         Three original Disney Princess stories: “A Very Merry Mix-up,” “The Holiday Treasure Hunt,” and “A Magical Holiday Feast”
·         Beautiful full-color artwork and tap-and-play animation
·         Two reading modes—Follow Along and Read and Explore
·         New interactive reading format that allows children to read and explore seamlessly
·         Professional narration and original Disney Princess music and sound effects
·         Feature activity includes an app-wide ornament hunt and a tree decorating celebration!
·         Plus, charming surprises on every page!

The “Disney Princess: A Royal Christmas!” app is available for download for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch at the App Store for $4.99.

5 Tips for Kids Hand-Me-Down Tech Gifts

Genevieve Hinson — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:56:35 +0000

Gifting your old smartphone to a child this year? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, PBS Kids announced a study that found that almost a quarter of parents will pass along their tech devices either as a present or to use as entertainment during those long doctor visits, while traveling – or attempting to finish that lengthy restaurant meal.

Before handing over the technology, parents should prep the device and PBS Kids has provided these tips:

1. Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.

2. Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.

3. Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.

4. Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.

5. Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.

Once the device is swept and clean, parents can go to a trusted source, PBS Kids mobile, for educational and age-appropriate apps.

PBS Kids Mobile Extras!

Looking for virtual stocking stuffers? Check out some of the recent apps on pbskids.org/mobile:

· FETCH Lunch Rush for iPhone/iPod Touch, Free (PBS KIDS First augmented reality app)

· SUPER WHY Alpha Boost for iPhone/iPod Touch, $2.99

· SID Science Fair for iPhone/iPod Touch, $2.99

· LITTLE PIM French and Spanish for iPad, $2.99

GHOST ISLAND: The Love is Real, but is Aaron More Than a Dream?

Genevieve Hinson — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:47:13 +0000

Caught in a storm off the California coast, Livia Hinson finds the perfect love. But the only way they can be together is in her dreams. Is Aaron flesh or spirit? Can he come to her world, or will he pull her into his? Together, they explore the blurred territory between love and illusion on a dangerous journey that will force Livia to make the most important decision of her life.

Bonnie Hearn Hill, author of the Star Crossed series, has just published her newest novel, “Ghost Island.” It’s a young adult paranormal book that transcends its genre. Meaning, anyone of any age will be hooked. (I know I am.) Watch the book trailer and then get a copy to read this weekend. Check back soon for an interview with Bonnie Hearn Hill and some insider info on her newest novel.

GHOST ISLAND Quick Links

PRINT BOOKS
– GHOST ISLAND on Amazon
– GHOST ISLAND on B&N
– GHOST ISLAND on Black Opal Books

EBOOKS

– GHOST ISLAND on B&N (Nook)
– GHOST ISLAND on Amazon (Kindle)
– GHOST ISLAND on Black Opal Books (multiple formats available)
– GHOST ISLAND on All Romance (Mobipocket (.prc), Epub, Adobe Acrobat)
– GHOST ISLAND on Smashwords (multiple formats available)

Connect With Bonnie

– Friend Bonnie on Twitter

Mother of a Podcast 01: The Parent Show and Cool Conduct

Genevieve Hinson — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:05:54 +0000

– Interview with co-creator and executive producer of PBS Kids Super Why! and a key visionary behind Blue’s Clues, Angela Santomero, and PBS Parents Director, Matt Graham, talk about the new PBSParents.org show, “The Parent Show.”

– Interview with Nicki Donley, author of “Cool Conduct: 100 Ways to Make a Positive Impression.”

– National Train Day, May 7 related events.

– News & Notes: 2011 Pokemon Video Game Championship, Apps for Super Why! and Disney Princess Dress-Up, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, Movies on Demand for May (same day DVD/Blue-Ray release dates too).

Love the podcast? You can share it on your blog by clicking on the embed button below the player.

Or, listen to the podcast while watching related photos on the MotherofConfusion channel YouTube.com. Or just click on play below.

“Disable Bullying” can start with the end of the “R” word

Genevieve Hinson — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:04:44 +0000

Lauren Potter and her mom, Robin Sinkhorn

Glee’s Lauren Potter wants you to end the use of the “R” word. Recently Potter, who is known as Becky Jackson on the show – Sue Sylvester’s (Jane Lynch) assistant cheerleader — stepped into a brighter spotlight as an ambassador to help those with special needs with the “Disable Bullying” campaign.

It’s no secret that bullying is an issue with today’s kids. What’s surprising is that no one’s talking about the largest demographic of children who experience abuse and hate speech by their peers — children with special needs. They’re two to three times more likely to be victims of teasing, name calling, physical abuse and online attacks. That’s 50 to 80 percent of special needs children being bullied. Unfortunately, bystanders often stay quiet. Up to 85 percent watch and, even if they want to, don’t say or do anything to make it stop.

Lauren Potter

Potter knows how it feels. She’s been teased and made the butt of the joke because of her differences with Down Syndrome. In a recent interview to launch the “Disable Bullying” campaign and talk about the “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” report, Potter shared a bullying incident about boys following and taunting her at school.

“It was real hard at first, and the boys were too immature,” Potter said. “I would tell them, ‘You know what? It’s time to grow up.’”

“It’s hard as a parent when your child comes home every single day after school and they’re upset and they’re crying and they don’t want to go back to school because of the mean things that children are doing,” Robin Sinkhorn, Potter’s mom, said. “Lauren’s handled that situation better than I ever could’ve done.

“Lauren found her voice and that’s what we’re doing here today and through this campaign is we’re helping children with disabilities to find their voice.”

Helping to launch the “Disable Bullying” campaign are Sheryl Young (CEO, Community Gate and AbilityPath.org), Anthony Shriver (Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International), Timothy Shriver (Chairman and CEO, Special Olympics), Jackie Speier (U.S. Representative, CA-12) and Tom Torlakson (California State Superintendent of Public Instruction).

One of the obstacles is the mindset of adults. Often they don’t take the bullying seriously, possess a get-over-it mentality, or don’t believe these children should be mainstreamed in general education classrooms.

Adults don’t take it seriously? It’s difficult to believe at first but …

When was the last time you heard the word “retard?” (Or the word “‘tard?”) Was it uttered from your lips in jest to a friend or co-worker? Did you hear it as a putdown on a TV sitcom or radio show? Was it mumbled by a child to a sibling, but you thought ‘meh, it’s not really a bad word’ and let it slide? Did you think about it twice at all?

If you didn’t, you’re not alone.

"Walk A Mile In Their Shoes" report testimonial -- Kevin Kaneta was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. During an interview with a Denver, Colo. television station, he shared his experience as a bullying target since the third grade, and each year, it gets worse. (Read more of Kevin

Timothy Shriver (Chairman and CEO, Special Olympics) pointed out the silent epidemic is silent because it’s a problem most people don’t recognize. The Special Olympics and Best Buddies, with many other organizations, launched a campaign to sensitize the public to the language of humiliation and degradation but struggled in their efforts to educate that the word ‘retard’ is hate speech.

“What we found was that people said, we don’t think we have a problem. We don’t see why this is hate speech. We don’t understand why you want to change the way we refer to one another when we’re trying to make fun of people,” Shriver said. “It’s awakened in us all, I think within this movement, to the realization that we have a civil rights movement that we’re struggling to create here. People don’t understand we have a whole history of injustice that’s gone over centuries of injustice.

“The humiliation, the institutionalization, and all sorts of horrible crimes perpetrated in the name of care against people with special needs. So, we’re trying to awaken the country now, to the idea that there is an epidemic and that it has to stop.”

Bullying doesn’t stop at a word, but it’s a start.

Even now, Lauren Potter isn’t immune to taunts and meanness from others. Recently, her Facebook fan page was attacked by cyberbullies who posted awful pictures and comments.

“It was almost a campaign of negative, using the “R” word, using terrible posters. In just a few hours her Facebook was covered with these things,” Sinkhorn said. “Now, I didn’t tell her (Potter) until we were at the end of it. I had cleared most of it up and some of her fans had come to her rescue.

“Lauren posted a response saying to her fans, ‘Thank you for having my back.’ Within a couple of minutes, at least a couple of hours, we had worldwide response from people in New Zealand, Australia, France, England, United States, everywhere saying, ‘we got your back.’ England has your back. New Zealand has your back. Australia has your back.

“So there are good people out there than want to take up this fight. And I hate to say fight, but that’s basically what it is.”

So a fight it is. A civil rights fight. Are you up for the challenge?

Hey, Lauren Potter, this is Genevieve Hinson from MotherofConfusion.com. Just wanted you to know, I got your back.

Now world, it’s your turn. Let Lauren Potter and children with special needs know, you got their back.

“Disable Bullying” Extras!

“Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” Testimonial
Kevin Kaneta : Bullied since the third grade

Kevin Kaneta was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. During an interview with a Denver, Colo. television station, he shared his experience as a bullying target since the third grade, and each year, it gets worse.

“They go after me because they see me as a vulnerable target,” said Kevin. Kevin walks slower than most children and drags his feet because of his disability. His mother, Tyleen Wilson, fears for his safety each day at school. “I worry if he’ll come home today,” said Wilson. “What if they really hurt him?”

Wilson stated she’s notified school administrators, as well as the Colorado media, that her son’s classmates have tripped and pinned him down and force fed dog food into his mouth. In late December 2010, Wilson noticed a Facebook picture that enraged her. It was of Kevin with his hooded sweatshirt tied tightly around his face.

“I thought it was a joke,” she said. “I prodded Kevin to tell me about the picture.” Kevin’s classmates had tied his sweatshirt tightly around his face and forced him to walk around the playground, barely able to see through the small opening. After taunting and teasing, the kids ripped the sweatshirt off, cutting his eyelids.

Another picture showed Kevin against the playground fence trying to break free. Both arms of the sweatshirt were tied to the fence post. “They just watched me struggle to get out,” said Kevin. “They put it on Facebook and now everyone knows it.”

There are many more personal stories in the full “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” report.

What can you do?

Do you have Lauren Potter’s back? Like her fan page on Facebook and let her know.

Are you taking up the cause to get the backs of children with special needs? Let everyone know. Blog, tweet, write and talk about this campaign. Take a stand, pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word. Share the “Walk a Mile in their Shoes” report (.pdf), post Lauren’s video with her mom and visit AbilityPath.org to find toolboxes for parents, learn about the types and ways children are bullied, and find more ways to get help. Also, if you see someone in need, let them know you got their back and about AbilityPath.org.

Need help but aren’t getting it?

Call the Civil Rights Bureau at 1-800-926-0648. Parents can register complaints if they feel their child’s school hasn’t been responsive. A Department of Education specialist can talk to officials at the school and help work out a strategy for dealing with the culture or particular individuals that are creating the problem.

Did you know?
FX is the only TV network that doesn’t allow the word ‘retard’ used as a joke. It’s only one of three words banned by the network.

The Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac: Anita Silvey’s daily love letter to a book

Genevieve Hinson — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:11:23 +0000

Choosing books to read with your kids has just gotten easier. In January, Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac (http://childrensbookalmanac.com) launched with daily recommendations by children’s book expert, Anita Silvey.

Now, it may feel like you’ve read a thousand kid’s books but Silvey’s actually read 130,000 more. It’s obvious from her daily posts that she has love and respect for great literature. Her recommendations are intriguing, thought-provoking and brilliant. Included with each day’s selection is the story behind the book or author. Make sure to read the daily facts – like the recently noted Susan B. Anthony’s birthday with the suggestion for “Fighter for Women’s Rights” by Deborah Hopkinson.

The website is set up so the homepage shows that day’s selection and photo, a sidebar of facts related to the date, and more book suggestions related to the author or subject. You can thumb through the site page-by-page or click on ‘find a book’ in the left rail and browse by age group, subject, type of book, author or illustrator, or by the date featured.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Anita Silvey about this intriguing project.

Mother of Confusion: The Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac is described as a daily love letter to a book or author. How did you become involved in this project?

Anita Silvey

Anita Silvey: I had submitted a proposal to Simon Boughton of Roaring Brook– a very ambitious project about children’s books. At the same time Simon was considering publishing an Almanac for children. It occurred to him that he could combine the two proposals and give parents and teachers a useful tool. In discussions with his staff, they decided it would be wonderful for me to post the essays on line,as I wrote them. That way I could get back responses from readers about what was helpful, what they needed, and what else should be included. The entire proposal was suggested to me over dinner; I believe I waited a nanosecond before saying, “You bet!”

MOC: This is a huge project. Have you already selected the books or are you writing the recommendations throughout the year?

AS: When I began the project, I drew up a master plan for the year. But that outline changes constantly. I develop a month at a time; at that point I make final selections and write the essays. I’m trying to keep a balance of age ranges and kinds of books – and consider the needs of all types of readers.

MOC: I love that you chose David Klass’s “Stuck on Earth” to coordinate with Extraterrestrial Culture Day – both new to me. There are so many incredible and memorable children’s books, how do you decide which ones to include in the almanac and which date to publish them?

AS: Sometimes a day seems too perfect to pass up –Extraterrestrial Culture Day, for instance — and then I find a book that I really love to fit it. Coming up we have Talk like Shakespeare Day, the Tooth Fairy Day, or Talk like a Pirate Day. For Tooth Fairy Day I read about 50 books and chose the two best.

I include superb new titles that may well be unknown to my readers but much more frequently focus on 20th century classics. When I feature the classics, I sometimes write about an author’s birthday. Walter de la Mare once said that “only the rarest kind of best in anything can be good enough for the young.” I am always hunting for that rarest kind of best.

MOC: The behind-the-scenes stories about the books are fantastic. What’s your most startling or amazing discovery about a book?

AS: Every book tells a story, but every book has a story behind it. In my research I am always hunting for the story behind the book. When I can, I try to reveal something about the creative process or the author’s struggle to get published. Dr. Seuss was turned down by 24-27 publishers; Robert McCloskey kept ducks in his bathtub to write “Make Way for Ducklings.” Intriguing details like these often make these authors and illustrators seem human to both children and adults.

MOC: What elements do you look for in a book that make it more than just a good read, but distinguish it as a future classic?

AS: All of our classics have some of the same ingredients: an intriguing story and theme, characters young people want to know, an underlying message or concern, a lightness of touch, originality, and artistic integrity. These are the books that linger in reader’s minds. Classics often are based in a “love of perfection” – the author went to extreme lengths to get everything right.

MOC: Speaking of the classics, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was recently in the news over the edit in the newest edition to make it more politically correct. Often there’s a buzz about a book and whether it’s appropriate for young readers. How do you deal with the controversies surrounding some of these titles?

AS: Almost every classic has generated some type of controversy in its life. For Banned Books Week, for instance, I am going to talk about some of our most challenged books and why I recommend these titles. I think any book that makes a child think and respond to the world will upset someone. But my question always is, “How well did the author do what he or she set out to do?” I then am honest in my comments, so that a parent or teacher can decide what works for them.

MOC: It’s a tradition of mine to include a children’s book (such as “On the Day You Were Born” by Debra Frazier) in baby shower gifts. Often it’s the baby’s first book and prompts conversation at the gathering about favorite childhood books. What five books do you think every parent-to-be should put on the wish-list for their child’s library?

AS: I, too, like the Frazier. I would always give “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, a Max book by Rosemary Wells, “Brown Bear,Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin, some volume of nursery rhymes like “This Little Piggy” by Jane Yolen, and one of the repetitive text books like “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen. But I strongly believe that every child should have exposure to hundreds of books, so that they can find their own favorites. Hence I write about a different book each day.

MOC: What’s happens when the almanac is finished? Are there plans to continue into 2012?

AS: When this year is done, I will start on the next one. But I haven’t solved those problems yet. I am just focusing every day on trying to write an interesting, engaging essay that will excite readers about a book and make them want to share it with the children in their lives.

Related Links:

– Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac

– Anita Silvey’s website

– Books written by Anita Silvey

7 Retro Movies to Watch with your Kids and One to Avoid

Genevieve Hinson — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:12:22 +0000

What to do? It’s 6 o’clock, dinner’s done and the kids are fighting, whining and waiting to be entertained. Tick tock. Three more hours until bedtime. It’s too cold for the kids to play outside and all you want to do is put up your miserable feet.

Quick, quell the grumpiness and rent or stream a movie. That’ll please for an hour or two, especially if you add popcorn. Shh, no whining from you either. We’re not talking about one of those kill-me-if-I-have-to-watch-it-again kind of kid-flicks. Tonight take it retro with the cool movies of your childhood, dude. Share the awesomeness with those cranky monkeys, create fabulous movie-night memories and gain a few moments of cinematic peace.

To help make the evening easier, we’ve curated 7 amazing and available titles at Netflix.com and highlighted one to avoid.

The Goonies

Rated PG | 1985 | Netflix: DVD only

A group of kids from the Goon Docks search for pirate treasure to save their homes from being demolished. Remember the awesomeness of being a kid and saving the day? Included: The truffle shuffle, a young Sean Astin, a chattering-teeth grappling hook and adventure. Oh the adventure! I know you know this. Just prompting nostalgia. Plan ahead with this one though, it’s mail-delivered DVD only.

Labyrinth

Rated PG | 1986 | Netflix: DVD & Streaming

Who doesn’t wish their sibling would disappear at some point? Fifteen-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) wanted her baby brother to go poof and Jareth (David Bowie), the Goblin King, with his amazing crystal ball tricks, made it happen. Sarah realized what you wish for isn’t always what you want. She sets out on an adventure through Jareth’s labyrinth, of course, to bring her brother home.

See the lesson in this? Yes, it’s all wrapped up in magic, goblins, the bog of eternal stench, the sweet vocals of David Bowie and weird head-throwing puppets … but the teachable moment is: You love your siblings and want them around even if they are a pain in the butt.

Bonus: If the kids love the movie there’s also the newish four-part manga series “Return to Labyrinth.”

The Secret of NIMH

Rated G | 1982 | Netflix: DVD Only

This time the adventure is with Ms. Brisby, a mouse and widowed mother of three, who sets out to save her sick son Timothy and the family home from the farmer’s plow. She seeks the help of some super-smart lab rats and finds out her late husband was closely connected to them.

Our kids are too young to know Wil Wheaton and Shannon Doherty, but you might appreciate their young mouse voices in this cartoon. If that doesn’t get you, perhaps Dom DeLuise as a goofy crow will. This flick has become a cult classic and highly revered for it’s animation style.

The Last Unicorn

Rated G | 1982 | Netflix: DVD Only

If your child freaks for anime, this movie smacks of that same wonderful fantasy weirdness. Because unicorns are involved it might seem to be more of a girl flick, but the boys will dig it too. Heck, the tender feelings at the end might prompt those soccer ball-kicking, mud-flinging sibling-buggers to shed a tear or two.

NeverEnding Story

Rated PG | 1984 | Netflix: DVD & Streaming

Bookworms from the 80s, you know this movie is your hands-down fave. Come on admit it. (I do!) Your miniature book-lovers will adore Bastian, the bullied kid who steals a book (let’s gloss over that steal-y part, mmmkay?), hides in the school attic (look past the skipping class bit too) and reads about the incredible world of Fantasia. Your rough-and-tumble child will mimic Atreyu, the main character in the stolen book, and his action-adventure journey to save Fantasia against the Nothing. Along the way he meets a flying dragon, racing snails, a rock-eater and escapes the Swamp of Sadness.

In the end … well, if by chance you haven’t seen this flick, I’m not going to pull a “Sixth Sense” spoiler on you. Stream it tonight.

Hook

Rated PG | 1991 | Netflix: DVD & Streaming

Peter Pan grows up and then forgets he was a boy who wasn’t supposed to grow up. Peter (Robin Williams) becomes an aggressive corporate lawyer who doesn’t have time for his wife and kids. Well, that just can’t happen. On a family trip to London to visit Grandma Wendy, Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) gets his … err … hook around Peter’s kids and whisks them back to Neverland.

See the adventure starting? That’s right, Peter must remember his past so he can save his kids. And let’s not forget Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell. Adorable and sassy!

This movie is also a reminder to love life and appreciate it. So de-grump and enjoy.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Rated PG | 1982 | Netflix: DVD (Rent disc 2)

Rent the original on disc two if you want to see it like you did as a kid in the theaters. Ignore the sanitized version with trimmed scenes, guns removed and replaced with walkie-talkies and old-school special effects dropped to make way for CGI enhancements. Like “Highlander 2” and “The Matrix Revolutions,” disc one shouldn’t exist. Now that that’s explained who can resist 10-year-old Elliot as he befriends an alien and tries to help him get home? Your kids should be pointing fingers at each other and shouting “E.T. Phone home” by this weekend and then asking about Reese’s Pieces for dessert.

The ONE to AVOID: Short Circuit

Rated PG | 1986 | Netflix: DVD & Streaming

Keep the memories of Number 5 alive, but don’t ever watch it again. Like. Ever.

I know on occasion you remember how cool Ally Sheedy was with her shaggy hair. Then you wiggle your hips and hum El Debarge’s “Who’s Johnny” while you smile in that special way. The problem is the movie is so much better in memory. It really is. And I want you to believe that and just keep humming happily while doing the dishes or mowing the lawn.

Watching “Short Circuit” as an adult — it’s jaw-dropping how a movie so dumb made it so big. (“I’m standing here beside myself.”) Then I think, well we were at a more innocent age. Perhaps the ideas of futuristic technology and naughty talk ( “I am thinking she is a virgin. Or at least she used to be.” “I am sporting a tremendous woody.”) were so powerful because we were virgins and didn’t own a Droid.

Admittedly, the one-liners, when read, are funny. Hilarious. But still, don’t do it. Reminisce. Relive the magic in your mind. Stay away from hitting “play.”

Why’s the movie so rotten? Maybe because today’s technology makes Johnny 5 seem like a cosmic joke. Your 8-year-old could kick J5′s robotic ass with her iPhone and FurReal walking pet. It could be now that the bawdy one-liners barely register the the bad acting becomes so incredibly obvious. (Sorry Ally.) Who knows? Just do yourself a favor, take a pass on this one. Stick with “E.T.” or, if you must have machines that do strange things, give “Batteries Not Included” a shot.