Talking Pictures: A Parent's Guide to Using Movies to Discuss Ethics, Values, and Everyday Problems with Children

By Ronald Madison and Ronald Madison Ed.D

Book Overview

Perfect for stimulating open discussion between parent and child, this warm and insightful guide uses movies as a vehicle for discussing sensitive issues with children aged 5 through 15. Combining the insight of a family therapist with the savvy of an expert in American film, Talking Pictures helps address difficult questions about divorce, marriage, family, love, gender identity, social ethics, separation and loss, friendship, death, illness, substance abuse, and more. Divided into four age ranges to ensure that films and topics are age-appropriate, the book offers pointers for starting discussion, conversational techniques to draw out the most recalcitrant child, and suggested films to watch together, all of them widely available at video rental outlets. Dr. Ronald Madison is a psychologist who has worked with families for more than 25 years, using film as a therapeutic tool for communication. Corey Schmidt is a freelance writer and film enthusiast.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762408030
• ISBN13: 9780762408030
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Running Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Five Star Family Book

This is a terrific book for sharing with yor family and almost every family likes movies. The analysis is quite inciteful and the movies choices are interesting and inspired. The lessons are good ones and easily followed by children and adults.

This Book is Wonderful!!

I just saw this book listed in my local paper and I ordered it right away because I have teens who are difficult to communicate with. Last night I actually sat down with my son and daughter and we watched "Scent of a Woman." We had a great discussion afterwards about cheating, friendships etc. This book was a god send. I recommend it to anyone with children who are tough to talk to. Thank you to the authors for this wonderful addition to our library.

Great for kids AND adults

I actually bought this book because I am always looking for great, meaningful movies to watch and when I saw it I thought this would be perfect!Also - I passed it along to my friend who is a teacher and she has used it in her class for friday movie-days . . .

terrific concept

Every parent has been confronted by the blank stare displayed by their child when confronted with a difficult topic they simply wish not to discuss with you. This book overs an antidote to that ennui with the simple, but brilliant idea of 'taking" your kid to the movies instead. This is accomplished by the easy expedient of slamming a video tape in your own home vcr.It offers the "safe" outlet of entertainment as a catylist for serious discussion by employing salient guidelines and analysis of over 100 theatrical films.

Film guide meets parenting book: A great combination.

I really like this book! The introduction is extremely helpful and provides a lot of insight into using films within the family structure. A giant step beyond just a movie guide, this book shows parents like me how I can use movies to learn more about my kids. I have a ten year old son who is not the easiest person to talk to, so I'm confident that many of the movies in Talking Pictures will provide the common ground needed for us to have some of those meaningful talks.