“All in good time.” We use these words from Ecclesiastes in different situations, without even considering how valid they are. But it’s true that as parents we go through different stages in our lives and in the lives of our children. At every step of the way we encounter something interesting and thrilling, rousing wonderful memories.

Ages 5-6 is when a child begins to get interested in feature films. Like adults, children pick out movies that are to their liking. And the films they select will have an effect on how their minds are formed, whether or not they understand adults, and how they learn, communicate properly and grow.

The contemporary film industries in America, Europe and Russia are premised on using larger-than-life production to aggressively draw huge audiences to the screens.

Let’s take a guess: what are most television channels filled with?

Talk shows, which are not suitable for family viewing; films with unsightly and unfavorable characters; thrillers dominated by violence; and movies with explicit eroticism. The list goes on. Is any of it acceptable for a 5-6 year old child to watch?

The answer, of course, is no!

Even at a young age, boys and girls choose different movies. This is due to differences in children’s thinking and mental capabilities. It’s not sexual bias to say that boys and girls are already preparing for different roles in society, and that everyone accepts these roles because they are established in children’s natures at birth. That is why Russian children should watch movies on Russian DVD.

Little boy knights like action movies with chases, races, riddles and mysteries. They already see themselves in the main characters that save the world. But in this trust lies the problem with bad movies, since along with intrigue, you will find in them outright cruelty in all its colors. At six, a child can’t yet completely understand things but knows intuitively that the man who fights and kills on screen is the main character. And who else will they imitate but the main character?

To avoid that, show young boys Russian films with real heroic content. Try the movie “Vasily Buslaev,” in which your child will appreciate the heroism and courage of the main character and strive to take in all his best qualities, becoming just as valiant, brave and fair. Also check out “Aladdin’s Magic Lamp,” where a child can fall into a land of wonders and even become a magician for a while himself.

Little princesses, oddly enough, already see themselves as young ladies and brides. Girls at this age are closely observing their mothers, their manners of speaking and use of cosmetics, their ways of dressing and doing their hair. Girls love movies about human relations, exhibiting their sociability and futures as true ladies. But if the main character swears like a sailor, smokes cigarettes and fights like a soldier, won’t it be appealing to girls to do the same?

Instead, give your little lady interesting movies about “Barbara the Fair with the Silken Hair” or “Vasilisa the Beautiful,” or the little Ellie who travels to Magic Country.

Movies form a child’s perception, regardless of your efforts!

So, choose those films that will positively shape a child’s thinking. It has long been established that movies change children without our knowledge. Remember the kind Russian fairytales that your parents – now grandparents – once read to you? Recall the good and pleasant feelings these stories provoked in your soul. Now let your child plunge into this same wonderful world. Create a home library from Russian DVD of movies that the whole family can enjoy.