Is If He Had Been With Me Appropriate For A 12 Year Old

As someone who grew up reading and watching a variety of media, I think 'Wicked' is a fantastic choice for a 12-year-old, but with some caveats. The story is rich with themes of friendship, acceptance, and challenging societal norms, which are great for young readers. However, some parts of the book, like the darker tones and complex relationships, might be a bit intense for younger kids. The musical adaptation is more kid-friendly, with vibrant visuals and catchy songs that soften the heavier themes. If your child enjoys fantasy and doesn’t mind a bit of drama, 'Wicked' can be a thrilling and thought-provoking experience. Just be prepared to discuss some of the deeper messages with them afterward.

As someone who's been immersed in YA literature for years, I'd approach 'Shatter Me' by Tahereh Mafi with a bit of caution for 12-year-olds. The series has a gripping dystopian setting and a unique poetic style, but it also deals with intense themes like violence, psychological trauma, and mature romantic tension. The protagonist, Juliette, struggles with isolation and self-worth in a way that might resonate deeply but could also feel heavy for younger readers. That said, if the child is already reading darker YA like 'The Hunger Games' or 'Divergent', they might handle it fine. The romance isn’t explicit, but there’s palpable tension and occasional kissing scenes. The action scenes are vivid but not overly graphic. Parents might want to skim it first—some kids at 12 are ready for complex emotions, while others might find it overwhelming. It’s less about age and more about individual sensitivity.

As a parent who spends a lot of time evaluating what's suitable for young kids, I'd say 'Wicked' isn't the best fit for a 5-year-old. The story, based on 'The Wizard of Oz', delves into themes of discrimination, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity, which are way too complex for a child that age. The musical also has moments that could be intense or scary, like the flying monkeys or the Wizard's manipulative behavior. At 5, kids are still developing their understanding of fantasy versus reality, and some of the darker elements might confuse or frighten them. There are plenty of other musicals or stories with simpler, brighter themes that would be more engaging and less overwhelming for a little one. That said, if your child is particularly mature or has a strong interest in music, you might consider playing some of the tamer songs from 'Wicked', like 'For Good', which has a sweet message about friendship. But even then, the storyline and visuals of the full production are better suited for older kids, maybe around 10 and up. For now, stick to lighter fare like 'The Lion King' or 'Frozen', which offer vibrant music and clear, positive messages without the heavy themes. 'Wicked' is a fantastic show, but its nuances and darker moments are lost—or even distressing—to a 5-year-old audience.

I've watched 'Wicked' multiple times, and I think its suitability for a 10-year-old depends on the kid. The musical tackles themes like friendship, discrimination, and self-acceptance, which are great for sparking conversations. But some moments might be intense—like the Wizard's manipulation or Elphaba's isolation. The flying monkeys could scare younger kids, but the vibrant visuals and catchy songs usually balance it out. My niece loved it at 9, but she's pretty mature for her age. The story’s darker undertones are handled in a way that feels more whimsical than disturbing, making it accessible if the child enjoys fantasy. That said, parents should know their kid’s tolerance for emotional complexity. The show doesn’t shy away from betrayal or societal prejudice, though it wraps these in humor and spectacle. The relationship between Glinda and Elphaba is heartfelt, showing how friendships evolve under pressure. If your child handles Disney villains well—think 'The Lion King’s' Scar—they’ll likely be fine. Just be ready to discuss why Elphaba is labeled 'wicked' when she’s actually standing up for what’s right. That’s the real gem here: it challenges black-and-white thinking.

As a parent who's navigated the tricky waters of kids' media, I'd say 'Wicked' is a bit of a gray area for a 7-year-old. The musical and book deal with themes like betrayal, discrimination, and some intense emotional moments that might go over their head. The visuals in the stage show—like the dramatic flying monkeys or the fiery climax—could be startling for young kids. That said, the core message about challenging stereotypes and embracing individuality is fantastic for older kids. If your child loves fantasy and has handled slightly darker stories before, you might consider the picture book 'Wicked: A Pop-Up Guide to Oz' as a gentler intro. For a full experience, I'd recommend waiting until they're at least 9–10. In the meantime, 'Matilda the Musical' or 'The Lion King' offer similar empowerment themes with more age-appropriate pacing and visuals.

When I'm choosing movies for a 12-year-old, I think of it like curating a little festival: some nights are for laugh-out-loud family comedies, some are for gentle adventure, and a few are for movies that spark a big conversation afterwards. I usually start with ratings—G and PG are safe bets, PG-13 can work depending on the kid—and then I peek at specifics: how intense is the action, is there mature language, and are there scenes that might be emotionally heavy. I’ll often check a quick guide like a parental review or watch a short clip first so there are no surprises. For go-to picks, I lean on animated and classic family films: 'Toy Story', 'The Incredibles', 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', 'Coco', 'Paddington', and 'How to Train Your Dragon' are great for laughs, heart, and mild thrills. For live-action adventure and fantasy, I’d suggest 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' for the wonder (watch it with a light heads-up about spooky scenes), 'The Princess Bride' for smart humor, and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' if they can handle some darker moments. If a tween is ready for slightly older themes, select PG-13 titles like 'The Hunger Games' or 'Back to the Future' sparingly and talk about the heavier bits—violence, stakes, or relationship dynamics—before and after. For a cozier approach, turn movie night into a conversation: pick snacks, set rules about screens, and be ready to press pause if something feels off. It turns a simple watch into a great memory and keeps things comfortable for everyone.

As someone who first read 'Ender’s Game' at 12, I think it’s perfect for that age—if the kid can handle moral complexity. The battles are thrilling but not gory, and the strategic mind games hooked me instantly. Yes, there’s violence (Ender breaks a kid’s arm, and the war simulations get intense), but it’s never glorified. The emotional weight comes from Ender’s isolation and the ethical twists—like realizing you’ve committed genocide. My younger sibling struggled with that part, so gauge their maturity. For adventurous readers, pair it with 'Artemis Fowl' for lighter sci-fi fun. Avoid if they’re sensitive to bullying themes, though. The sibling rivalry and manipulation hit hard.

As someone who grew up watching teen dramas, I think 'Outer Banks' is a tricky one for 13-year-olds. The show has a lot of adventure and friendship dynamics that teens might find exciting, but it also includes mature themes like violence, underage drinking, and some sexual content. The characters are around 16-17, so the situations they face might be relatable but also a bit intense for younger viewers. My niece watched it at 13 and loved the treasure hunt aspect, but we had to skip a few scenes. If your kid is mature and you're okay with discussing some adult themes, it could work, but it’s definitely not for every 13-year-old.