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My sons are 9 and 6. Men in Black is rated PG-13, so I would never allow them to see it at this point. They told me that their dad and stepmother told them that they could watch it on the way to their beach trip. DS #1 wanted to know if it was appropriate; I said that it wasn't (and I have seen it... not my first choice for elementary school-aged kids). DS #2 is now upset because he thinks he'll have to watch it (as a captive audience in the car).

Should I say anything to XWH? Do I bother? They were apparently discussing this with the adults at the dinner table, so it's not like their stepbrother said it, and it's not actually true. Should I stay NC because it's not my parenting time, and the movie isn't something rated R?

Where is XWH's common sense? I swear, it's completely gone!

Oh, man. I just went to imdb's parent guide... here's the section on profanity in the movie:

"1 possible f-word, 13 anatomical terms (3 mild); the 13 anatomical terms also include 2 uses of a term for male genitals (d**k), 18 scatological terms (crap, s**t, p**s), 29 mild obscenities, 3 religious profanities, 2 religious exclamations. Some minced oaths. Name-calling (b**t*rd, pr**k, etc.)"

This is so not cool.

I think your most practical approach at this point is teaching your sons to express their discomfort to their father. If they are uncomfortable watching a movie, they need to learn to tell him that they would rather not watch it. If they will be trapped in the car, equip them with alternatives, such as headphones and an mp3 player (doesn't have to be expensive) that they can put in and look out the window/at a book/etc. Teach them to remove themselves from situations where they are uncomfortable, to the extent they are able, and to vocalize their discomfort. He's more likely to hear it from them than you, I expect.

I would also suggest that you send with them a couple of family friendly movies so they can say they would rather watch xyz than MenInBlack.

I just saw the original MIB last year w my ds (he was 9yr) and I don't remember a thing inappropriate. Now I did make a point to watch it with him when his little sister wasn't around.

I agree with Ama that giving the kids the tools to speak for themselves is the best way to go. Having one of them say, "Daddy I don't like this movie," could work a lot better than, "Hey Fucktard, don't let the kids watch stuff like that."

My kids came home saying they had watched "That's My Boy," a rated R Adam Sandler movie with nudity, drugs, language, marijuana and cocaine use, etc. I was APPALLED. Did absolutely no good talking to him, and it was another thing I added to my CPS call, and that did no good either.. The kids of course enjoyed the movie and thought it was funny, but especially my 9-year-old knew there were some "bad" parts.

Sorry about the sucky situation and the shit sandwich we are forced to eat here.. I keep trying to remember I can't change my ex POS, but I can try my darndest to teach my kids what I think is appropriate and how to defend themselves and react to the situation (like looking out the window or putting on headphones)..

I just saw the original MIB last year w my ds (he was 9yr) and I don't remember a thing inappropriate.

I don't either.

Meh. MIB is pretty mild. Talking dog, ect.

If you're uncomfortable with it, you should speak to your X about it.

My kids were probably 6, 8 and 10 when they saw it on cable tv. Maybe some stuff was edited for TV but they loved it and I wasn't bothered by any of it.