Game of Thrones (advice needed)

[Big Daddy Badger]

Depends.

Some 14 year olds are challenged sorting reality from fantasy reading Harry Potter others are sofisticated enough to read the classics.
Both of my kids were quite mature and I would have had no problem letting them watch that program at age 14 because they would have seen it as nothing more than a interesting psuedo-period political intrigue.

On the other hand many adults cannot tell the diference between nudity and porn or violence relative to the story and a gore-fest.

[Dr. Phil A]

Originally Posted by jungleboy

He could probably sit you down and teach you a few things about sex and violence on the screen . His mom is ok with it and from what I gather you're not his dad (hate to tell you this but when push comes to shove you never will be and he and she will make sure you know it) Let him watch it , watch it with him and her and leave it at that . Not a hill to die on

Totally agree with you. I am in the same situation and have watched the results over the years as the kids got older. Very open communication with them about sex and what is going on in their lives. As Jr. has made to the top end of his teen years our step father/step son conversations are better because I can call a spade a spade.

As for the violence angle of this discussion, I always fall back to this thought. What are these kids counterparts in other areas of the world seeing and doing? Most of the ME teens have seen death and violence up close, being raised to believe that it is the only way to obtain anything, solve situations, and put fear in to those who are somewhat pacifist. So in the end is your kid even aware that this is what is going on and are they prepared to deal with it. This has been the way of the world since its inception and those who think they can soothe the savage will only get so far.

[Skybuster]

Boundaries are a very good thing. How you enforce them is where some people go wrong. I have never watched this show so I don’t know if I would allow a 14 year old to watch it or not. That really is a question each of us will have our own answer to. Some are more liberal than others. I was quite upset at a neighbor that was sitting our two boys, 4 and 6 years old when we went to pick them up and they were watching Beavus and ******** on the TV with the man of the house. We did not ask them to sit for us again.

But a 14 year old has probably seen most of what the Game of Thrones will show him anyway. Heck, some of the commercials are almost there already. Let alone the Xbox games I’m sure he plays. Again I say that not having ever seen the show. I have also laid down boundaries which were only applied at my house. One son was at college and had been sleeping with his girlfriend. They came to visit at Christmas and I told them they would sleep in different rooms in my house. I don’t care what they do elsewhere, but I won’t condone it under my roof. Old fashioned, maybe, but that’s me. Another son, underage, drinks. I know he does and when out at parties I’ve told him to call me if he needs a ride. No judgement. But when he wanted to host a party for his friends I said sure, but no drinking. Not at my house. The liability is way too high.

So we each have to make our own choices in these situations. Would I watch that show with my 14 year old son? Probably not. But as OKO said, pick your battles, set boundaries but stay real.

[Off in the Bushes]

TvMA is the rating on the DVD so not to be view by people under 17.

[Wild&Free]

.

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

TvMA is the rating on the DVD so not recommended to be view by people under 17.

[Redfrog]

It's not about saying no to watching a tv show. It's about trying to instill some values in a young impressionable mind.

In any family it is a constant challenge of boundaries ad extending them. It is much harder in a "Blended" family where " You're not my dad/mom, and you're not the boss of me"

Don't want boundaries? Want to be your kid's buddy. See if you're singing from that song sheet when she comes home pregnant and the dad is nowhere in the picture.

Life is tough when you try to follow the rules. See how tough it is when you think they do not apply to you.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

They can download the series onto their smart phone or ipod or tablet or other device and watch it with a pair of earphones while you chauffeur them to hockey, dance, whatever.

Assuming your kids actually have access to those kinds of devices... Surprisingly a lot of kids don't.

Heck, I haven't had a smartphone for very long, but even it can barely cough up a regular web page without spazzing - let alone stream media reliably.

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

Assuming your kids actually have access to those kinds of devices... Surprisingly a lot of kids don't.

Heck, I haven't had a smartphone for very long, but even it can barely cough up a regular web page without spazzing - let alone stream media reliably.

Well, I guess some people don't have electricity either...

...but I'll stand by my point that most any media is extremely, easily, and freely available to the avg 14yo.

HBO is a 14yo dream come true.

I mean, a naked dragon queen, how can you deny that?

[Tundra Monkey]

Kinda surprised by the responses here. I watch Game of Thrones.

It ain't for a 14 year old imo.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Tundra Monkey

Kinda surprised by the responses here. I watch Game of Thrones.

It ain't for a 14 year old imo.

Agreed....they have their whole lives to watch "adult" content, protect the childhood innocence a little bit....

LC

[Okotokian]

.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

Well, I guess some people don't have electricity either...

...but I'll stand by my point that most any media is extremely, easily, and freely available to the avg 14yo.

HBO is a 14yo dream come true.

I mean, a naked dragon queen, how can you deny that?

I sure couldn't.

Now...if she would just return my calls....

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Agreed....they have their whole lives to watch "adult" content, protect the childhood innocence a little bit....

LC

I think maybe you're not being very realistic. At 14 I was teaching my buddies how to create encrypted directories on the family computer to hide their porn stashes.

That was more than 20 years ago.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

I think maybe you're not being very realistic. At 14 I was teaching my buddies how to create encrypted directories on the family computer to hide their porn stashes.

That was more than 20 years ago.

I don't think the young lad needs to watch a show that depicts a child his same age that murders a prostitute by pinning her naked body to the bed using a xbow, and seems to enjoy it.

Is that unrealistic? That's something I have control over....

I was no angel as a child either but not giving the kids a free for all on material that really isn't suited to their age is part of my parenting strategy, which I am not worried if someone disagrees they can raise their kids however they want.

LC

[brownbomber]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

I don't think the young lad needs to watch a show that depicts a child his same age that murders a prostitute by pinning her naked body to the bed using a xbow, and seems to enjoy it.

Is that unrealistic? That's something I have control over....

I was no angel as a child either but not giving the kids a free for all on material that really isn't suited to their age is part of my parenting strategy, which I am not worried if someone disagrees they can raise their kids however they want.

LC

Solid idea, I don't want my kids to end up like I was. I just know it be a struggle in this age of exposure to so much. Limit what you can, do your best to deal with the rest.

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Is that unrealistic? That's something I have control over....

What I'm trying to say is that I doubt you actually have the control you think you do.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

What I'm trying to say is that I doubt you actually have the control you think you do.

I am not naive but I can control what goes on when I am around, that's all I can control

Believe it or not some kids have no reason to do things behind their parents back and some kids even understand when a program or show isn't for them.

I monitor what happens on the computer and such and we are blessed to have two well mannered respectful kids, all we can ask for really.

LC

[roper1]

Our boys were raised with boundaries which we knew & expected them to test. Which they stretched but rarely really disrespected. They are now mid twenties and are thankful for having rules growing up. They were popular in school but we were not their buddies. We are their parents even now. We camp, fish, hunt, rope & enjoy each others company as adults. They have brains, a work ethic, common sense, & respect for their elders & the fairer sex. We were careful what TV content was available in our home & most of their buddies parents we knew well. A little T & A is very natural as long as it is respectful between consenting adults. Most of the sex I have seen on Game of Thrones I would prefer my kids were older than 14 before they saw it. I think the step-parent thing still hinges on some boundaries that you as the adult know more about sex & relationships that they will learn soon enough. They still owe you respect. Your post on this subject appears like you are trying to do the right thing which is commanding of respect itself.

[brslk]

I wouldn't wanna watch it with a 14 year old boy.

Because when I was 14 I'd be masturbating during half the show.
Lots of nudity and pretty explicit sexuality

[TreeGuy]

Perhaps I'm strange. I tend to take 'em outdoors and share it with them.

We have about a dozen kids now in their early 20's that still talk about those adventures and how fond their memories are of them. Strangely enough, not one of them could recall what we watched on tv those weekends.....

[sjemac]

Originally Posted by brslk

That all could be taken and twisted into very many unflattering ways for you. A delete is in order.

[brslk]

Originally Posted by sjemac

That all could be taken and twisted into very many unflattering ways for you. A delete is in order.

It could be taken out of context if your mind works that way.

My point was I doubt any adult male or female would have wanted to watch it with a teenage boy when the nude scenes happen...

No delete or edit forthcoming.

[DiabeticKripple]

sounds like once im done walking dead season 4 im starting game of thrones

[Faststeel]

Originally Posted by lone wolf

I must confess that I have never watched it. Quite a few guys at work do, and love it. Here is my issue. My partner's son came to visit for spring break, and brought Season 1 Game of Thrones to watch ~ problem is that he only turned 14 last week. I am adamant that there are situations, language and content that are totally unsuitable for someone his age. As far as I am concerned, he is not going to watch it in my house. Mom on the other hand could care less.


From watchers of the show, and who are parents, am I over-reacting ? Any advice or suggestions.

Sadly you are, now if this were the 60's 70's or 80's perhaps you could be right. If you devoutly religious i could see all that great sex they have getting in the way.
My 13yr old watches plus he has read 4 of the books. FS

[leeaspell]

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

Assuming your kids actually have access to those kinds of devices... Surprisingly a lot of kids don't.

Heck, I haven't had a smartphone for very long, but even it can barely cough up a regular web page without spazzing - let alone stream media reliably.

I think you need a new phone if it can't even load a webpage. Any decent smart phone can stream video no problem.

[pikergolf]

To the OP, our gut feelings don't steer us wrong to often.

[Faststeel]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

cinematography is great. Acting exceptional. Storyline from the books is superb albiet with some holes they are correcting as they go in the movie.

There is violence although not near as graphic as Walking Dead.

There is nudity and suggestive sexuality...for the most part fleeting. Definitely would feel awkward with a 14 year old in the room so my gut tells me that is too young. Mentally mature 16 year old ok. 18 of course.

IMHO

Most every 14 year old boy I know is 14 going on 19 not 9, they are far less child like that when I was 14 , 40 years ago. FS

[Faststeel]

Originally Posted by leeaspell

I think you need a new phone if it can't even load a webpage. Any decent smart phone can stream video no problem.

Might be an operator error. Lord knows I'm not that great with my Galaxy

[KCL]

No 14 year old should watch this, violent sex, gay sex, incest, violence period. At fourteen you are pretty impressionable. A kid might watch it with his buddy's, a kid might sneak a beer, a kid might try smoking a joint, a dad should never give it to him or encourage it imo.

[Flanny]

How is a TV show different from reading the books? At 14 I read much more explicit books than Game of Thrones. Besides, He'll just watch it anyway if he really wants to.
Especially if you tell him: "Son, Don't watch this show. It has swords, fighting, war, dragons, and nakedness."

That's like telling YOU not to look at Alberta Outdoorsmen cause you may not like what you see. At least don't look at the fishing section. For your own sake.

In the words of new teen boys, "Ma can't I just do it till I need glasses?"

Flanny