Kids learn a lot from the media they consume. As parents, we try to keep that in mind and make sure they're getting the right kind of messages.
Beyond messages, there is inspiration. Some films can truly move you, to the point of making you do something you might not otherwise. In a few particularly heartwarming films, kids can learn the beauty of giving back.
Acts of service are recognized as a love language, but it means different things in different contexts. In personal relationships, acts of service can be as simple as doing something you know will make someone you care about happy. When it comes to something bigger a kid might love, like their school or their community, it could be giving back on a larger scale.
These films will inspire your kids to acts of service big and small. Most importantly, it will communicate why we do things for others and how the emotional payoff is better than any material gift we could receive.
'The Lorax'
The Lorax teaches kids about loving the planet we all live on. This movie not only highlights the major downsides to being greedy but also emphasizes the importance of giving back. It's great for talking to your kids about some of the issues facing our environment and the little things each of us can do at home and in our communities to change that.
'The Ultimate Gift'
A spoiled guy is left his grandfather's jaw-dropping estate, but there's a catch. He has to first complete a series of tasks. Along the way, he learns money doesn't mean nearly as much as being good to your fellow human.
'The Revolutionary Optimists'
The Revolutionary Optimists talks about how the children of Calcutta, India, took change into their own hands. These kids believed they could change the world and their circumstances around them through simple things they could do together. They accomplish all of that and more, teaching us what activism and driving change really looks like.
'Batkid Begins'
Batkid Begins is the touching story of a Make-A-Wish request come true for a very special little boy. Miles Scott was treated to a massive surprise as thousands of businesses, volunteers, and city officials turned San Francisco into Gotham City. He got to be Batkid, and he got some of the most heartwarming surprises ever. It will remind you just how much doing something nice for someone else can make a difference.
'Kindness Is Contagious'
Watch how wonderful the world can be when everyone is kind. This film is all about the upside of doing the right thing and being good to others. Everyone from scientists to artists explains the bright side of looking at things on the bright side.
'The Blind Side'
The Blind Side is a good watch with older kids, as it is PG-13. The award-winning film tells a touching story of opening up your heart to those who are different from you. It can encourage your kids to recognize the goodness in all people and the power of advocating for others.
'Mr. Holland's Opus'
Mr. Holland's Opus follows a composer who is down on his luck and takes a job at a local high school. Though it's not the job he wants to be doing, he quickly finds a soft spot for the students he teaches. It can show kids that sometimes life takes you in an unexpected direction that changes everything for the better.
'Inequality for All'
Inequality for All talks about the realities of the wage gap between rich and poor Americans. It makes the situation personal with accounts from people struggling to get by and the struggles they've faced. It will inspire your kids to look at immense wealth and its cost in a different light.
'It Could Happen to You'
When a New York City cop finds himself without tip money for his waitress, he tells her he'll split the winnings of his lottery ticket with her if he hits it big. Then he actually wins the $4 million jackpot. He keeps to his word, and together they learn about how money can drive change, both good and bad.
'Millions'
When a 9-year-old and his brother find a big bag of money in their backyard, their first thought is to use it all without telling their dad. Their conscience and some well-meaning spiritual advisers make them think twice. It teaches you about why doing the right thing versus what you want can be a struggle and gives some perspective on how it happens.
'Pay It Forward'
In this touching film, a young Haley Joel Osment thinks of an idea to pay forward any favor he receives, and it sends waves through his community, proving that one small action can lead to much larger change for the better.
'Patch Adams'
After spending time in a mental hospital, a man decides to study medicine. Not only is Robin Williams a one-of-a-kind figure to help get big messages through to little ones, but he shows how service over greed can be fulfilling. Patch Adams opens his own private institution to truly help others and makes a mark on the world.
