Top 10 Father’s Day Films

Finding Nemo

This father-based inspiring Pixar film is set in the oceans. When his son gets kidnapped by divers, a clownfish braves his fear of the ocean to rescue his son. Filled with adventure and love, Finding Nemo is fantastic for the whole family!

Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof has been a family favorite, since it is so relatable for us. Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in the early 1900s, has five daughters, three of whom are ready to marry! Not only is a fun musical great for the entire family, it also teaches important lessons of holding on, and letting go.

It’s a Wonderful Life

In this classic Christmas link, George Bailey learns how to be thankful for life, and embrace the ups and downs of life, and fatherhood.

Cheaper by the Dozen

With a family with 12 kids, chaos is sure to follow! After Mom gets a fantastic book deal that comes with a two week book tour in New York, the Baker family realizes big careers don’t always mean a happy family! Also, the original film, based on a true story, is also a great family film!

Madison

Set in small town Madison, Indiana, this film is inspired by the true story, as told by Jim McCormick’s young son. It’s a great American underdog sports film, about hard work and perseverance!

Father of the Bride

As every father can relate to, the hardest part of fatherhood can be the wedding day! In this sweet comedy, George’s beloved daughter is getting married, and during the wedding, chaos follows!

Courageous

In this Christian-centered flick, a group of police officers strive to become better fathers, after one of them suddenly loses a daughter. As police officers who have a duty to serve and protect their city’s citizens, these men discover they also have a duty to serve and protect their family.

For Teens

Life is Beautiful

Part romantic comedy and part drama, this Italian film is one of the few foreign language films to win several Academy Awards, including Best Actor. In the silly first half, Guido sets on a mission to open a bookstore, and win the heart of a lovely young woman who he meets accidentally. With enthusiasim, humor, and persistence; his dreams come true, and the couple have a son. The second half of the film is set in a concentration camp, where Guido uses his charm to hide the harsh realities from his son. This classic is almost problem-free in terms of content, and is Dove family-approved for ages 12+.

The Pursuit of Happyness

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer! After growing up without a father, Chris Gardner promised himself his kids would always have a father in their life. It is a promise he keeps, even when his wife leaves him, and even when he and his 5 year-old son become homeless. Through hard work, love, trust and perseverance, Chris and his son slowly get back on their feet. It’s inspired by a true story, and it was also recently added to Netflix.

Frequency

In this scifi father-son drama, a son and his deceased father connect 30 years apart, with an old ham radio. Working together, through the fates and twists of time, they reconnect to stop a serial killer. (It’s rated PG-13 and not as graphic as it sounds, great for 12+) It also has great lessons on how your actions affect the future, and strong anti-smoking messages.

The post Top 10 Father’s Day Movies to Celebrate Dad first appeared on True Aim.

This is the follow up sequel to the original Character-Building, Family-Friendly Movie Nights for Kids. (Thank you for such a great response!) We recently got Netflix, and have had fun exploring a plethora of great flicks!

For older kids, I believe “character-building” means thought-provoking flicks that force you to grow as a person in some way. For younger kids, I believe “character-building” can simply mean a positive flick with encouraging messages that good will triumph evil.

Kids

Charlotte’s Web – Wilbur is a young pig who befriends a wondrous spider, Charlotte. Filled with sweet lessons and beloved characters, this definitely is a classic for a reason.

Heidi (2015) – Based on the book, I haven’t seen this animated flick but this feel-good movie seems to be quality made and has positive reviews.

The Boxcar Children – The Boxcar Children was my favorite series growing up. Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are orphans running away from the grandfather. Along the way, they find an old abandoned boxcar. Through resourcefulness and teamwork, they call it home. I’m proud to say the movie did not disappoint. It closely matched the beloved book, and I felt it in no way was cheesy.

Fetch with Ruff Ruffman – This educational reality game show for kids is ran by an animated dog, but features real-life contestants who are sent on “missions” exploring different careers and professions, in a similar way “Magic School Bus” might. Growing up, I learned a lot through this show!

Joseph: King of Dreams – This is the biblical story of Joseph beautifully animated by the creators of the classic The Prince of Egypt. Lessons include trusting God, hard work, and perseverance.

The Prince of Egypt – A bit more violent than Joseph, The Prince of Egypt tells the story of Moses and the Exodus. The film has beautiful animation, and an even more beautiful soundtrack.

Mr. Peabody and Sherman – In Finding Nemo father-son style, ingenious dog Mr. Peabody shares his time-traveling adventures with his adopted son Sherman.

Walt Before Mickey – Before Mickey Mouse made him a success, learn about Walt Disney’s struggle to fame and fortune.

Here is a list of common clean and positive movies for young kids that I wanted to mention in case you hadn’t seen a few on this list.

• Veggietales
• The Rescuers Down Under
• The Three Musketeers
• The Emperor’s New Groove
• Mulan
• Robin Hood
• Pocahontas

Tweens (10-15)

The Gabby Douglas Story – Gabby Douglas was only 16 when she brought home the gold at the 2012 Beijing Olympics. Here is her inspiring story of hard work and determination!

1001 to 1 – Based on a true story, 1001 to 1 is about a high school basketball champion

God’s Not Dead – Partially based upon real events, a Christian student and his atheist professor clash heads. Based upon the hit song, this film has some great messages of sticking up for your faith.

Holes – Stanley Yelnats, “cursed” from great great grandpa, is sent to Camp Green Lake for stealing a pair of shoes. (which he did not) While there, he discovers the warden has a secret – buried treasure! There is a smidgen of profanity and a bit of violence to worry about, but overall, a quality family movie with lessons on helping others. Based on the Newbery winner by Louis Sacher.

Read It And Weep – This old Disney Channel Original Movie was a favorite of mine growing up. After accidentally turning her personal diary into an essay contest, shy Jamie soon becomes a best selling author and the most popular kid in school – until everyone realizes the characters are based on them! Although some may disregard it as cheesy, it is a clean family movie, and has important lessons of being a good friend, honesty, and how words can hurt.

Cow Belles – Another classic Disney Channel movie that follows two spoiled sisters who learn the value of friendship, hard work, and helping others! (Same warning as above!)

Masterpiece Classic: The Diary of Anne Frank (2009) – Ben Kingsley stars as Otto Frank in this movie about Holocaust victim Anne Frank and her diary. Although I don’t think Anne Frank is the best example of Nazi persecution, it’s a good movie, not graphic, and the story of how blind hatred can affect normal people. It also shows the courage of Miep Gies and the others who hid Anne and her family.

Nicky’s Family – Nicholas Winton, known as the British Schindler, rescued over 600 children in the Kindertransport during WWII, by transporting them to Britain. Here is his story in a non-graphic documentary/docudrama form, that includes interviews with many of the children he rescued.

Gifted Hands – Dr. Benjamin S. Carson grew up with the world stacked against him – he was poor, black, and growing up in Detroit to a single mother with a third grade education. Through his mom’s hardworking determination and the grace of God, Carson went to Yale and became the first neurosurgeon to help successfully separate conjoined twins. Based off his incredible memoir, I felt this story did a pretty good job of converting Carson’s life to film.

Radio – Cuba Gooding Jr. excellently plays a developmentally disabled man in this light-hearted football drama that is based on a true story. A great family feel-good movie for tweens and up. (note some humorous uses of the S-word in one scene, and another scene where Radio unknowingly walks into a girl’s bathroom)

The Dropbox – Pastor Lee has rescued over 300 orphans and abandoned special needs babies throughout South Korea. Here is his incredible story and selfless life.

Monumental – I haven’t seen this yet, but it has come highly recommended. Kirk Cameron hosts this look at America’s past. If you liked this, you’ll also probably like Food Inc, a documentary exposing America’s food industry.

On Netflix DVD:

Facing the Giants – Grant Taylor, the head football coach at Shiloh Christian Academy, has yet to have a win in six years. After developing a new coaching philosophy, his life begins to change around.

Secondhand Lions – Growing up with his mom, Walter has known nothing in his life but instability and trouble. One summer, she dumps him off at his two eccentric uncle’s old place, where his life is changed forever. This coming-of-age film is one of my favorite films on this list, and has amazing lessons. The only negative in this PG-rated flick is there is some minor cursing (mostly d*mn).

Unbroken – Louie Zamperini grew up destined for trouble – until his older brother introduced him to track. Louie trained hard, and ran himself to the 1936 Berlin Nazi Olympics. When WWII broke out, he signed up to a 2nd lieutenant, and on a rescue mission, accidentally crashed. He and a friend survived 47 days at sea (with sharks and nothing to eat), and afterwards spent two years in a Japanese POW camp. After the war, his life spun downwards and he became an alcoholic, before committing his life to Christ and forgiving his captors.

Teens and Up:

My family has very low tolerance for sexual content, however we are more lenient on realistic war violence that does not glorify violence. I will list the pros and cons for each of the below movies.

Goering’s Last Secret – Herman Göring, Hitler’s second man, was one of the most infamous Nazis in WWII. In a stark contrast, his brother Albert was the exact opposite – who loathed the Nazi party and often subjected himself to danger to rescue people from concentration camps. Although he had the opportunity to become powerful, rich, and famous because of his brother – Albert chose a different path, and instead died penniless. It’s an intriguing and overall non-graphic look at two brothers who made drastically different life choices.

Hotel Rwanda – A true story set in the midst of the Rwandan genocide, Hotel Rwanda centers around a hotel manager who manages to save over 1,000 refugees. During the Rwandan genocide, over 800,000 people were murdered in a 100 day period. Despite this, the film (PG-13) strays from getting too graphic.

The Kite Runner – Based on the brilliant bestseller, The Kite Runner is a beautiful, yet heart-breaking story filled with family, friendship, loyalty, guilt, betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness and redemption. Amir is a successful writer living in San Fransisco, after moving there from Afghanistan in the late 1970s. However, memories haunt him of betraying a loyal friend, and Amir has a chance to make things right. The movie is rated PG-13, contains violence, some profanity, and is centered around a child rape. However, with powerful and poignant themes and a fantastic delivery, this movie is thought-provoking and eye-opening. I would highly recommend both the book and the movie. You can read my more detailed review here.

No Place on Earth – Incredible story of a group (ages 2-76) of 18 Jews during WWII who hid in an Ukranian cave. (They also set a world record for longest time underground interrupted.) I always think learning about other people’s lives is character-building, thought-provoking and eye-opening.

Call the Midwife – Although I cannot recommend the later seasons, we thoroughly enjoyed the first two seasons of Call the Midwife, based on the true memoirs of a British midwife in the 1950s. The series, similar in style to Downton Abbey, explore Britain’s poorest and lowliest memoirs of society.

Foyle’s War – This British 1940s mystery series is best for teens. Subjects often include murder and treason. Whether it is necessarily “character-building” may be up for debate, but contains good themes of good versus evil, and is a quality historical series that I honestly can’t help but include.

On Netflix DVD:

The Giver – When we hear about tragedy on the news, it can be easy to think, “Why does God allow evil?” In this adaption of Lois Lowry’s Newbery winning novel, meet Jonas – who lives in a perfect world. No crying, no pain, no war or heartbreak, and likewise no color, or differences, or happiness. The question is then asked: Is it better to live in a world of neutrality, or embrace both the good and the bad? A fantastic teen movie night that poses many questions and offers much discussion.

Movies I haven’t seen but that look good:

• My Italian Secret (the true story of an Italian cyclist who rescued Jews during WWII)
• Last Ounce of Courage (Christian film about a veteran who tries to bring patriotism and Christianity closer to his secular town)
• Korczak (the true story of Polish writer Janusz Korczak and his role during WWII)

I haven’t had Netflix for too long, so I’m afraid my list isn’t longer. What are your favorite movies on Netflix?

The post Character Building Movie Nights for Kids {on Netflix} first appeared on True Aim.

Welcome to Mom’s Library

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Books and Movie Activities for Kids

Character Building Family-Friendly Movie Nights – True Aim

Everyone loves a good movie night, but it can be hard to find quality and clean films. Here is a list of quality films that the whole family can enjoy!

Cookie Monster Ice Cream – Study at Home Momma

Here’s a yummy recipe based off of the famous Sesame Street character.

For Mother’s and Daughters: Mama Bear and Brave – Deep Roots at Home

“Be strong and courageous,” the Bible commands. This is a unique article exploring the Pixar film Brave, what it means for daughters and their mothers, and how current spiritual warfare parallels with Brave.

5 Important Life Lessons from Inside Out – Little Nerd Family

Pixar’s latest hit on feelings is taking theaters by storm, and for good reason too. Here are five life lessons we can learn from it.

25 Hands-On Bible Activities – Christian Montessori Network

Here are some activities based on the best book of all – the Bible!

Book and a Movie: Pictures of Hollis Woods – Adventures in Mommydom

Pictures of Hollis Woods will forever be one of my favorite childhood novels. This heartfelt story centers around a 12 year old foster girl who goes to live with an elderly woman. The book was turned into a great Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring Sissy Spacek, and that has a 86% 5=star rating on Amazon.

Learning With Minions – Brain Power Boy

Who hasn’t fallen in love with the minions from Despicable Me? Here are some Lego,, sewing, math, art, science, and language crafts to go with it.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities – Pre-K Pages

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room? Here are some great snacks, activities, and crafts to go along with the classic book.

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The post Book & Movie Activities for Kids and Mom’s Library #148 first appeared on True Aim.

Then one day I watched a program called The Men Who Built America. I loved it. It was better than most movies, and I learned a ton of new things, until the show depicted a scene that I was familiar with – the 1892 Homestead Strike.

Let me start by telling you the story that the History Channel told. The steel tycoon, Andrew Carnegie, was working the men in his Pennsylvania steel mill to death 7 days a week and for little pay. After several deaths, the workers began to strike demanding higher wages. They took over the steel mill.

Then Carnegie called in a private police force, which proceeded to gun down the fleeing workers. I think there was even a scene where a young man was on the ground begging for his life, and the evil Pinkerton shot him anyway, without the slightest hesitation. Eventually, Carnegie called in a favor from the Governor, which he practically owned, and 4,000 soldiers were sent to end the strike.

Guess what, besides some serious exaggerations (for dramatic effect) most of the depictions were entirely true – Carnegie was a tyrant, the workers were abused, they did strike and the Pinkertons shot several of the strikers. Here was the issue, they didn’t tell the whole story. Like all great lies, there was just enough truth to make the story believable.

Here is what really happened. When the Pinkertons arrived by river, the strikers fired on them and they returned fire. Unable to land the their boats, they waited until early morning to try again. When the Pinkertons tried again shots were fired again (but both sides claim the others fired first).

The workers surrounded the barges and fired on the Pinkertons at will. At one point they even used a cannon to try and sink the Pinkerton barges. The workers positioned snipers and picked off several agents. The Pinkertons returned fire and also killed several strikers.

Thousands of workers attacked the barges, and the Pinkertons made several attempts to escape, but they couldn’t. Eventually, the workers filled a raft with oil and fire and tried to burn the Pinkertons alive in their barges. That failed,  so they threw dynamite to blow the barges up, but they missed. Then they tried to pour oil in the river and light that on fire, but that also failed.

The Pinkertons were outnumbered ten to one. They raised a white flag, agreed to surrender, were promised safe passage, but once on shore, they were then beaten and tortured by the strikers.

Finally, Carnegie did have the governor call in the state militia. It took 4,000 troops, but the strikers did disperse.

See how vastly different the real history is? In the History Channel’s version, the Pinkertons mowed down the unarmed strikers. In the real version, they exchanged fire, and it was the Pinkertons who were eventually beaten by the workers!

Don’t think that I am taking sides. Carnegie was a monster, and one of the villains in my book REVEALING school. But just because he was bad, and we “love” our unions, doesn’t justify why the History Channel is rewriting history to fit a certain agenda. Their audience deserves to know the truth.

This is a huge deal, and a serious deception. 99% of viewers would have no clue that they are being mislead.

Now this wasn’t the first time that I had caught the History Channel distorting history. In fact, they do hit-jobs on Bible history all the time. Since, most American’s don’t read or study the Bible, they get away with it. Still, I was shocked to see them distorting other histories.

Since I caught them misrepresenting history in The Men Who Built America, it seems like I catch them all the time. That is why I will not let my children watch the History Channel until they have already gained a strong understanding of true history.

And by true, I mean history found in historical documents and histories (not school textbooks, as they tell even bigger lies than the History Channel). Kids who study history through the History Channel, will be left with a very distorted view, full of holes and half-truths.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the History Channel for entertainment’s sake. I just don’t trust its historical accounts anymore.

What are your thoughts on the History Channel?

The post Why I Won’t Let My Kids Watch the History Channel first appeared on True Aim.

Family Friendly Movies that Help Build Character – For the Little Ones

Veggietales – G
Oldies but goodies; this animated talking-vegetable series explores many wonderful life lessons and Bible stories. Many of these are free on Amazon prime.

Liberty’s Kids – G
History meets likable characters in this fun, animated series exploring early America. There are 40 episodes, with an all-star cast including Liam Neeson, Ben Stiller, Billy Crystal, Walter Cronkite, and more!

Cars – G
This Disney Pixar classic centers around a pompous race car, and how a humble little town changes his outlook on life. Speaking of which, all of the Pixar films are great family films that can be enjoyed by kids and their parents.

American Girl History Movies (Kit, Molly, Samantha, Felicity) – G
Although American Girl’s latest “Modern” girls are little more than another kid’s movie, American Girl’s History movies, Samantha Kit, Molly, and Felicity, are packed full of wonderful lessons for young girls, plus are great intros to history!

The Emperor’s New Groove – G
This has always been one of my favorite movies. Kuzco is a self-centered emperor whose life gets turned around by turning into a llama by the evil Yzma, who wants to take over the kingdom. With help from a humble peasant, he is determined to get himself changed back into a human and overthrow Yzma’s “reign.”

Meet the Robinsons – G
In this fantastic Disney flick, Lewis is a 12 year-old orphan with a brilliant scientific mind. One day, he gets inspiration to build The Memory Scanner, a device to let him see his birth mother, and potentially ask her not to give him up. Animation and acting are great, but the biggest take-away I got from this is the message – Keep Moving Forward, and it does show how failing to do so can make you a miserable person. Brilliant message so many adults have yet to learn. (The very last Dystopian scene may be a little scary for younger kids.)

Valiant – G
Valiant is the first animated film I have seen with facts at the end. Set in 1944 before D-Day, this British Disney film is about Britain’s messenger pigeons during WWII. In the end, we learn pigeons played a bigger role in the war than horses, dogs, or cats. Filled with adventure and some humor, it is a bit violent for a G-rated film, but it is definitely a great movie. There are a lot of WWII references that are used appropriately, but younger kids will not understand it.

Big Hero 6 – PG
Part Marvel comics, part Disney, part Anime – the themes of Big Hero 6 are family, friendship, and working together, and has a plot all ages can engage in.

Because of Winn-Dixie – G
AnnaSophia Robb stars as Opal, the daughter of a single-dad pastor. One day, she meets a stray dog, Winn-Dixie, that changes her summer drastically!

The Boxcar Children – G
The Boxcar Children was my favorite series growing up. Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are orphans running away from the grandfather. Along the way, they find an old abandoned boxcar and call it home. I’m proud to say the movie did not disappoint. It closely matched the beloved book, and I felt it in no way was cheesy. The animation reminded me of a video game.

Inspiring Heroes (Nest)
This Christian biographical series features famous people like Harriet Tubman, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William Bradford.

The Torchligher’s Series – G
This Christian series features courageous men and women in history, and what they’ve accomplished. Heroes featured included Jim Elliot, William Booth, Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, and John Bunyan. I’ve seen the Corrie ten Boom one, and we quite enjoyed it. Many of these films are free on Amazon Prime.

Read It And Weep – G
Read It and Weep is a Disney Channel Original movie about a young girl whose private journal accidentally goes viral. In typical Disney fashion, the acting and video quality may not be the greatest, but its a squeaky clean film about friendship.

Character Building Movies For Ages 9+

These are generally good movies for the whole family, but may have themes not really appropriate for the super younger ones!

The Prince of Egypt – PG
I can’t say I fully appreciated this movie until watching “The making of The Prince of Egypt.” Beautiful animation, fantastic voice actors, and a stunning soundtrack. This is the story of Moses, and his journey from the prince of Egypt to God’s leader for His chosen people.

Fly Away Home – G
Fly Away Home opens with young Amy and her mom – happily in a car. Suddenly, the car crashes – and soon her beloved mother is dead. Amy wakes up in the hospital to find her father – who she hasn’t seen since her parent’s divorce nine years ago – and now he is her guardian. Through love, patience and time, Amy and her father adopt an orphaned gaggle of geese, and come fall, are determined to bring them south by air.

Madison – PG
Based on a true story of hydroplanes in the little town of Madison, Indiana, this inspiring father-son tale shows the fruits of hard work and perseverance!

It’s a Wonderful Life – G
In this classic, George Bailey ponders what life would have been life if he was never born. His guardian angel appears and brings that question to life. Although it may be a bit slow for squirmy younger ones, it definitely is a fantastic and clean family film!

Woodlawn – PG
Inspired by a true story, this Christian football film tackles racism in the 1970s, and has strong messages of hope and faith. As a bonus, I was pleasantly surprised with the film quality and acting, which I thought were great!

When The Game Stands Tall – PG
When the Game Stands Tall is the opposite of most football movies you see; De La Selle High School has a record-breaking 151 consecutive wins – before losing miserably. It is Christian/Catholic based, and is not your typical “it’s not about winning” family sport flick. Instead, at its core is a coach who believes building character and teamwork is the most important.

Newsies – PG
Partially based on a true story, this Christian Bale musical sheds light on the Newsie strike in the late 1800s. (Unfortunately, the real life strike was only a partial success!)

Secondhand Lions – PG
This under-rated coming-of-age gem centers on everything that’s good in life – courage, loyalty, honor, kindness, and so much more. Set in the 1960s, timid young Walter (Haley Joel Osment) gets to spend the summer with two mysterious uncles – rumored to have millions in fortune. Although it has many uses of minor profanity (dam*), I cannot recommend this enough.

Facing the Giants – PG
This feel-good Christian film is about a failing football coach and his journey through faith. Grant Taylor is a (six-year) failing football coach and a failed father (his wife cannot get pregnant). After revamping his attitude and overall strategy, he begins seeing positive results and learns a great lesson about trusting God!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! – G
With the same old-time feel as the Julie Andrews’ Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! is about an eccentric inventor, his two kids, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy businessman, and a magic car!

Remember the Titans – PG
Denzel Washington stars in this incredible classic football film. The year is 1971. After leading his team to 15 winning seasons, football coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by a black coach – Herman Boone (Denzel Washington). These two men overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions! A great film dealing with notable subjects.

Fiddler on the Roof – G
Traditions!! This classic musical revolves around Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman and his five daughters. A great story about love, traditions, and ultimately, letting go.

The Buttercream Gang – NR
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but it looks good. Summary: Scott and Pete are members of the Buttercream Gang, a group of pre-teen friends who do good deeds for their neighbors in their small Utah town. When Pete goes to live with his aunt in Chicago, he falls in with a bad crowd and joins a gang. Upon Pete’s return to Elkridge, Scott notices the change in his friend’s behavior and determines to intervene with the help of the Buttercream Gang!

Belle – PG
A young half-black, half-white woman faces much prejudice and change in upper-class 18th century England. Through much determination, she influences the British Empire’s stance on slavery. Best part? It’s also a true story!

I Am David – PG
Based on the Danish best selling novel, I Am David is the story of a 12 year old boy who escapes a Stalinist labor camp. Purposefully, there is no sexual content, no profanity, and very little violence; making it a great family film. Even with its low budget, the acting is incredible, and it has many notable themes of courage, perseverance, faith, hope, and love.

Pictures of Hollis Woods – PG
This Hallmark Hall of Fame film has the same feel-good, family feeling as most of Hallmark’s movies, but has a higher quality with an amazing plot and cast. Twelve year-old orphaned Hollis has known nothing but rejection and hurt all her life. When she does find a family where she feels she really belongs, tragedy strikes and once again Hollis runs from her past. It isn’t until she meets Josie, a kind, elderly widow, where she truly begins to heal – but all too soon trouble begins again. What will Hollis do? This is based off the wonderful Newbery Honor book with the same name.

Gifted Hands – PG
Dr. Benjamin S. Carson grew up with the world stacked against him – he was poor, black, and growing up in Detroit to a single mother with a third grade education. Through his mom’s hardworking determination and the grace of God, Carson went to Yale and became the first neurosurgeon to help successfully separate conjoined twins. Based off his incredible memoir, I felt this story did a pretty good job of converting Carson’s life to film.

One Night with the King – PG
“Perhaps your were born – for such a time as this.” Young Hadassah, a Jewish girl, turns into Queen Esther of Persia practically over night. Despite this, the evil Haman is plotting against her and her people. This is the biblical story of Esther, created beautifully! (PS I watched The Book of Esther and I unfortunately have to say it was terrible in every way – acting, set, and some parts were so biblically un-accurate it made us laugh.)

The Sound of Music – G
Doe, a deer, a female deer! Julie Andrews stars as Maria von Trappe, a young, fun nun who, searching for adventure, becomes the governess to seven crazy children. This is an incredible classic that seriously everyone needs to watch.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – PG
How could I forget this C.S. Lewis classic? Four British children, stuck in WWII, enter a magical wardrobe and enter a land called Narnia. Filled with adventure, faith, hope, love, and lessons of good and evil, definitely a must-see for those old enough!

Front of the Class – PG
This Hallmark Hall of Fame film tells the true story of Brad Cohen, a young man who battles tourette’s syndrome and becomes a teacher! A really great inspirational film showing that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Holes – PG
Stanley Yelnats, “cursed” from great great grandpa, is sent to Camp Green Lake for stealing a pair of shoes. (which he did not) While there, he discovers the warden has a secret – buried treasure! This is based of the Newbery Winning book. There is a smidgen of profanity and a bit of violence to worry about, but overall, a great and fun family movie!

Also check out these Historical Movies for Kids, many of which contain character-building themes!

What are some of your favorite character-building, family-friendly movies? List them below!

The post Character Building Family Friendly Movie Nights first appeared on True Aim.

Use these gifts as tools to teach common values like; respect, determination, patience, empathy and more.  However, only through real-life experiences will children begin to internalize good character.  The list of unique gifts below contain affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting True Aim!  For more information read my full disclosure.

Character Building Books

These engaging stories with valuable truths inspire readers to a higher standard of virtuous living.

1.  The Children’s Bible (Ages 4+) – A family favorite with realistic pictures and an accurate account of the most important stories from the Old and New testament.

2.  Pilgrim’s Progress (Ages 8+) – One of the popular books of all time, this is a tale of a dangerous journey.  It is an allegory for the journey that every Christian must take.

3.  The Golden Treasury of Bible Wisdom (Ages 12+) – This is a collection of topical bible verses and commentary on each.  It addresses important topics like faith, family, giving, peace and more.

4.  Aesop’s Fables (Ages 5+) – More than sixty classic tales like the Boy Who Cried Wolf and the Tortoise and the Hare, that teach valuable lessons.

5.  Help Me Be Good Series (Ages 2-5) – These short stories had a big impact on me when I was little.  They illustrate in simple terms behaviors that children need to avoid and why.

6.  A Christmas Carol (Ages 5+) – This Christmas story is all about compassion and what real riches are.

7.  The Chronicles of Narnia (Ages 6+) – A mystical land that teaches valuable lessons.

8.   Bedtime Bible Promises (Ages 0-5) – A board book with sweet illustrations and rhyming explanations of scripture verses.

9.  Blue Manor Kid’s Bible Book Set (Ages 2+) – Filled with 5 eBooks that help teach your children the most important lessons in the Bible.  Memory verses and activities included!

Movies that Teach Values

These movies set themselves apart from other shows by the great life lessons they teach and the values that they inspire.  They encourage family unity, righteous living and compassion for others.

1.  Animated Bible Series (Ages 3+) – These powerful, accurate and realistic Bible stories aren’t just for children.  The 30 minute movies each come with a downloadable activity book.

2.  The 10 Commandments (Ages 6+) – Timeless and enthralling, this is one of those movies you can watch over and over again!

3.  The Sound of Music (Ages 3+) –  The story of a woman’s determination, the joy of children, and bravery.

4.  It’s a Wonderful Life (Ages 6+) – What can a small act of kindness do for someone?  Take a journey through a man’s life and see how those small things make a big difference!

5.  A Little Princess (Ages 4+) – A kind heart is what makes a girl a princess, that’s what your little girls will learn in this magical story.

6.  Little House on the Prairie (Ages 3+) – Hard work, courage, and family values; this is the movie that kicks off the whole series and it shouldn’t be missed!

7.  Swiss Family Robinson (Ages 7+) – The Robinson family is shipwrecked on a remote island and must work together to survive.

8.  Anne of Green Gables (Ages 6+) – The classic tale of an orphan trying to find her place in the world.  She learns humility, manners, and what true friendship is.

9.  The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Ages 8+) –  Based on a true story where a woman so passionate for spreading the gospel to China, she gives and risks everything to make a difference.

10.  The Ultimate Gift (Ages 13+) – A selfish young man learns what’s really important in life and changes his character for the better.

Toys and Games that Build Character

1.  Outburst! Bible Edition (Ages 8+) – A fun way to remember/review Bible facts and help you navigate your Bible.

2.  Real Tool Set (Ages 5+) – Teach your children a valuable skill and they will flourish with the responsibility and work.

3.  Slackline Classic Set (Ages 7+) – Get outside and practice balance, courage, and determination!

4.  Katamino (Ages 3+) – A brain teaser perfect for all ages.  This is a beautiful 1-2 player puzzle that helps build problem solving skills and determination.

5.  Magic Set (Ages 4+) – 20 different tricks to learn that help boost public speaking skills and confidence!

6.  Potholder Loom (Ages 6+) – Patience is needed for this craft, but when children complete one the satisfaction of a job well done is priceless.

7.  Broom Set (Ages 2+) – Children thrive on being helpers.  The work builds health habits and makes them feel needed.

8.  Perlexus Rookie (Ages 6+) – Multitasking, focus, determination; all skills that are needed to solve this puzzle.

9.  Chess (Ages 4+) – This is the easy way to learn how to play chess.  This classic strategy game teaching valuable planning and critical thinking skills.

10.  Outdoor Fort Building Kit (Ages 5+) – Teach your children basic shelter building skills and independance with the help of these handy connectors.

For more ideas and activities on teaching values to your children, please checkout my Values for Children Series!

How do you build character in your children?  Please leave a comment!

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If you like games, here’s another great list!

Check out these amazing gift guides for kids!

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