Help! I think my daughter has been abducted by aliens!
What 21st century parent isn’t wearily familiar with the addictive nature of online games for children?
Having finally come to terms with a family members minecraft addiction, another seems to be rearing it’s ugly head. It has huge purple hair, empty black eyes and appears to have an arrow impaled in its head.
This monstrous character is an alien from Movie Star Planet; a truely scary environment. Inhabitants of the planet appear to have had their brains sucked out and they wander about aimlessly spouting mindless banalities to anyone they come across.
Direct action is required.
“This is Earth calling. You are under threat of alien abduction. Please make your way to the dining area for your own safety…….NOW!!!”
I wait for the slap of the laptop closing and observe the entry of a young female with attitude. She rolls her eyes slowly, swishes her high pony tail and makes an exaggerated gesture. (which she hasn’t quite perfected so it looks alarmingly like a nervous twitch)
Let the battle commence.
Here are my 5 suggested activities designed specifically for combating and alleviating the negative effects of Movie Star Planet in preteen girls.
- Make a Dream Catcher.
Introduce this activity with an age appropriate conversation about cultural appropriation.
- Make Some Felties
Introduce this with an age appropriate conversation about animal welfare, conservation, and the infantilising effects of adults in onesies.
- Arrange a Collection of Rocks, Stones, Pebbles or Crystals
Introduce this activity with an age appropriate contextual conversation about the work of Andy Goldsworthy. (eg. Is it Art? Yes it bloody well is.)
- Make a Tent Outside.
Introduce this activity with an age appropriate conversation about temporary dwellings, refugee camps and homelessness. (try not to make her cry)
5. Bake Some Gingerbread Men
Introduce this activity with an age appropriate argument about who’s going to tidy up the mess.
Any of these activities should help re-ground and acclimatise your child. Normal speech patterns should return, eye rolling should cease and general intelligence and well- being should be restored.
She has returned to earth.
This Post Has 0 Comments