“If you want yo…

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

― Albert Einstein

Why I Love Kids Movies

So this evening I went to see the new Despicable Me 2 movie with some friends. Not only did I find the minions hilarious (they honestly make the movie), I also spilt nacho dip all over myself. Now I’m not here to give away any spoilers, I’m actually here to talk about why I love to watch kids movies, and why I think they’re great resources for those looking to get into children’s literature.

Like children’s books, kids movies are usually uncomplicated. I personally find that the simple things, are very hard to dislike. If you are looking at writing a children’s book, or YA (young adult) fiction, I recommend watching kids movies in a theatre full of children as a form of research.

Here’s why:

1. First off, you get to watch the reactions the kids have to certain themes throughout the movie. This can help you know what most kids find fun, and what they find boring.
2. An easy way to spark new ideas, is to build on old ones. For example, take what used to be known as a stool, add a back to it, and BAM you’ve got yourself a chair.
3. Movies that are specifically directed towards children can often bring out your inner child/preteen. Seriously, I laughed at the minions when they made fart sounds with their mouths. I usually find fart sounds annoying and gross.
4. It’s entertaining and can be very relaxing as well. If you’re stressed out from writing, studying, or even just your day in general, go watch a children’s movie. They rarely disappoint, and they’re usually hilarious. Plus, laughter helps to relieve stress.
5. You can connect with your audience. You can easily observe them in their natural habitat: listen to the way they speak, look at how they are dressed, and watch what they do. As long as you can observe and become somewhat connected with your audience, you are on the right track.

Now I’m not saying that watching kids movies is the GREATEST and only way that you can do research on children for your books, but it is very easy, beneficial, and it doesn’t seem “weird” or “creepy.”

There are also many other ways that you can do research on kids that are safe, and not considered “creepy.” For instance, you can volunteer with children, or babysit for a friend or family member who has kids. If you have kids of your own, simply get your research from them.

In the end, I promise you’ll get great results, and it will make it so much easier for you to write your books!

Before I go, let me just say that Despicable Me 2 is WAY better than the first movie. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good laugh and likes clean humour.