Reality or fiction? Even the most (presumably) harmless movie can make a big emotional impact on kids, making it the trigger for countless nightmare nights.
The Family Therapy team of the ifeel platform for psychologists has compiled the 20 scenes from films that usually have the most impact on children , suggesting how parents should act to avoid nurturing those childhood fears:
1. Frozen II (2019): Olaf melts. The funny and tender snowman from the movie Frozen melts in Ana's arms. Children can experience helplessness in the face of death despite knowing that snow melts with the arrival of heat. It is advisable to be honest with them and not deny death or certain unpleasant situations.
2. Avengers Infinity War (2018): the chance of death. Supervillain Thanos wins victory in the final battle when, with a snap of his fingers, he kills half of life in the universe, randomly taking half of humanity ahead. Accidental death or the result of chance is part of life like many other unpredictable events.
Some children are likely to wonder if death "lurks around the corner", it should be explained naturally that at any time there may be an accident of any kind but it is not usually normal .
3. Coco (2017): not to forget so as not to disappear. What happens after death? When seeing it, the fear arises in the little ones of disappearing forever. In addition, if a family member or acquaintance has died, they begin to want to remember it perpetually so as not to forget, even developing patterns compatible with obsession.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I (2010): the teacher crucified at a banquet. During a meal, Lord Voldemort and his minions prepare their master blow against Harry Potter while one of his victims, dying, levitates crucified on the table.
This type of bloodier and more cruel scenes can cause a high psychological impact. It is important to be able to differentiate reality from fiction and in the case of more sensitive children, avoid them to prevent possible nightmares or night terrors.
5. Toy Story 3 (2010): Andy gives away his toys. This scene perfectly symbolizes the passage from childhood to adulthood. Some children may show colloquially known as "Peter Pan syndrome" or fear of growing up .
6. The Worlds of Coraline (2009). Categorized as childish on streaming platforms, this spooky stop-motion classic contains too many scenes that require explanation from parents, because they tackle dark subjects as well as displaying truly disturbing images. Anxiety problems, insomnia and even depression can appear in some viewers if the metaphor of the film is not understood.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005): the girl attacked by 40 squirrels. Tim Burton's movie includes some psychological horror scenes that go far beyond what we think is a harmless movie of kids who like chocolate.
A good example is the girl Veruca Salt, surrounded and attacked by squirrels. During childhood, animals and nature are often idealized; Images like this show that dark face of nature that is advisable to explain to the little ones . For example, on a day-to-day basis, comment that although most pets are harmless, a dog can bite or a cat can scratch, so you should always be cautious.
8. Chihiro's Journey (2003): parents turned into pigs. The Japanese film features grotesque moments that can be shocking to children, such as when Chihiro's parents turn into pigs by eating symbolizing greed and greed.
In reality, Miyazaki wanted to symbolize the housing bubble and greed that later led to an economic crisis. It can be interpreted as a moral, a threat or a metaphor: "Don't be greedy, you will become a pig and it will be irreversible, it will have a terrible ending".
In children, it is preferable to talk about consequences rather than threats. In other words, long-term greed can turn against you instead of being greedy you will become a pig.
9. Finding Nemo (2003): A barracuda eats the mother and all the eggs except Nemo. Many nuances appear in this scene that mobilize emotions of fear and concern.
The unexpected death (in the absence of a villain with a plan that "justifies" the need to do evil), Nemo's "disability" derived from the attack and the consequences that all this has on his relationship with his companions provoke a multitude of feelings in the smallest.
The cognitive distortions derived from the belief that evil always has a justification behind can generate states of anxiety.
10. Tarzan (1999): Kerchak's death. The gorilla that made it difficult for Tarzan to enter the group finally ends up accepting the human, establishing a relationship based on respect.
Her sudden death at the hands of a man reflects an injustice and a certain "inconsistency" in showing more respect, understanding and compassion for animals than for humans.
Once again this dark face appears where man is a wolf for man and for other beings . Explaining and accepting this facet of reality as part of life is important to make it explicit from an early age.
11. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996): Judge Claude Frollo's sexual obsession. In addition to finding bullying and discrimination at its best, the villain and judge Claude Frollo sexually harasses Esmeralda. It is essential to instill respect in all people, emphasizing, in this case, that of men towards women.
12. Matilda (1996): authority and abuse Agatha Trunchbull. The Matilda school principal commits physical and psychological abuse against school children.
It is advisable to warn children and adolescents about the need to report such situations, especially when they enter the institute.
13. Jumanji (1995): Robin Williams devoured by the ground. Recall that the protagonist boy disappears for 25 years to the greater dismay of his parents. In addition, it includes parts that can generate panic like when Alan is (almost) engulfed by the ground.
Given these types of scenes, if they generate any kind of fear such as not stepping on the ground, it is essential to explain the difference between reality and fiction in a calm and rational way until we make sure that it has been understood correctly. If necessary, a progressive exposition can be made so that, little by little, that fear can be overcome.
14. The Lion King (1994): Mufasa's death : It has traumatized many children, since it implies facing the reality that parents are not eternal. It is best to explain death as part of life without avoiding the subject.
15. Indiana Jones (1984) . Although this classic is not recommended for children under 13, many parents, guided by nostalgia, have seen some of the delivery of the saga with their children.
Moments like the human sacrifice of 'The Cursed Temple' or the bloody scenes opening 'The Lost Ark' can cause nightmares.
Night terrors are usually temporary, so they should not be given much importance at first. If after a week they continue, the most advisable thing is to be able to talk openly about it and find out if there can be something more behind it .
16. ET (1982): Farewell to ET Farewells are never easy and, when there is a close friendship relationship, there is often a fear of losing contact, distance or breaking the relationship.
Seeing ET can be especially emotional if it coincides with some vital moment such as a move or vacation and these fears can arise, often irrational.
17. The Lady and the Tramp (1955): the Trusty run over. The old hound ends up under the wheels of a vehicle trying to rescue Golf. In this case the intentions of the "hero" are truncated. If misinterpreted, it can cause an obsession with frustration and how although your intentions are noble, your dreams may not be fulfilled.
18. Bambi (1942): death of the mother. Again, death appears as a factor of high psychological impact, but the conditions surrounding her death can cause special sensitivity, given that she is in an environment without resources or supports of any kind. Therefore, a possible fear of loneliness appears.
19. Dumbo (1941): separation from the mother and animal abuse. In this film the traumatic fact of the mother-child separation appears and, on the other hand, how a character is forced to do something against his will. The possibility of abuse or seeing similar situations at school / work (bullying / mobbing), encourages anxiety states of varying intensity.
20. Snow White (1937): the poisoned apple . The possibility of food being poisoned is a recurring fear in many children that can develop problems like temporarily not eating, phagophobia, or fear of swallowing, and may even be forced to ask an adult to always try food beforehand.
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