New Reviews & Advice for You

Movies in Theaters & Coming Soon

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Going the Distance (2010, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this R-rated romantic comedy is likely to attract Drew Barrymore's teen fans, of whom there are many. She and real-life on-and-off beau Justin Long play long-distance lovers trying to get a grip on their relationship. It's likely ... read more

Going the Distance
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The Winning Season (2010, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this Bad News Bears-meet-Rebound sports comedy stars Sam Rockwell as a coach recruited to turn the Plainview High girls' basketball team into something that's not an embarrassment. Interest in this comedy is particularly high ... read more

The Winning Season
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Nanny McPhee Returns (2010, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fantasy sequel is a great choice for families. The on-screen kids fight and misbehave a lot until Nanny McPhee disciplines them; ultimately, they learn important lessons about being helpful, selfless, and brave. Violence is ... read more

Age 7+
Nanny McPhee Returns
3
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New Video Game Reviews

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Metroid: Other M (Nintendo Wii)
Parents Need to Know...

Metroid: Other M, a “Teen”-rated game, has some fantasy violence. Samus Aran kills space creatures with guns, bombs, missiles, and more high-tech weaponry. Blood, which is either green or purple, often splatters out of destroyed ... read more

Age 13+
Metroid: Other M
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Guilty Party (Nintendo Wii)
Parents Need to Know...

that DISNEY GUILTY PARTY is a family-oriented game that is both entertaining and challenging. The game is much like Clue in that players have to find clues and then figure out "whodunit" with each of the mysteries presented. The ... read more

Age 8+
Guilty Party
5
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Grease (Nintendo Wii)
Parents Need to Know...

that Grease, based on the movie of the same name, has a story mode that can be completed by a single player in less than an hour. This is a very short and surprisingly repetitious game. It mirrors the central themes of the movie, ... read more

Age 11+
Grease
2
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Popular Websites for Kids

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YouTube
Parents Need to Know...

that YouTube offers parents the ability to filter out objectionable content using its Safety Mode. Safety Mode is an opt-in feature -- meaning you need to enable it on your browser -- that filters both videos and comments. YouTube also ... read more

Age 13+
YouTube
4
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FarmVille on Facebook
Parents Need to Know...

that FarmVille is available only to members of the popular -- but not always child-friendly -- Facebook social network, and that's why we rate it iffy for young teens. The game itself is clean, safe, and loads of fun, if not ... read more

Age 14+
FarmVille on Facebook
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iCarly
Parents Need to Know...

that this sister site to Nickelodeon's TV show iCarly is a safe -- and fun -- place for teens and tweens to upload preapproved silly videos to be featured on the site and on the show. There's a lot of tween -- and younger -- fans posting ... read more

Age 10+
iCarly
3
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What's On TV This Week

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MADE: The Movie (MTV)
Parents Need to Know...

that this upbeat TV movie based on the popular MTV reality series MADE offers teens strong positive messages about being yourself and working hard to realize your dreams. The content veers a little to the mature side: There's a fair bit ... read more

Age 13+
MADE: The Movie
3
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Head Rush (Science Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fast-paced series helps tweens appreciate the "curiosity factor" in science and relates its applications to modern life in a way that makes learning seem like fun. Viewers will be intrigued by the unusual facts that ... read more

Age 8+
Head Rush
3
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Melissa & Joey (ABC Family)
Parents Need to Know...

that even though it stars former child actors Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, this sitcom isn’t meant for tweens. The characters’ dialogue often refers to issues like underage drinking, sex, and marital unrest. Language -- ... read more

Age 13+
Melissa & Joey
3
More TV reviews

Books for the First-Day-of-School

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Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish
Parents Need to Know...

there is nothing of concern in this light book. While this is about Amelia’s first day of school, it may not be a good choice for kids who haven’t yet been to class -- the word games might confuse them rather than help them learn what ... read more

Age 5+
Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School
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Off to First Grade by Louise Borden
Parents Need to Know...

that the alphabetic sequence, clever names, and simple poetic format make this book fun. Coupled with the playful images, it presents a positive message that kids, especially new first graders, will enjoy. read more

Age 4+
Off to First Grade
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Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston
Parents Need to Know...

that most kids will enjoy this light and silly little book, especially if they are headed off to kindergarten. read more

Age 4+
Off to Kindergarten
3
More book reviews

Music to Download

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"Magic" (single featuring Rivers Cuomo) by B.o.B.
Parents Need to Know...

that this single is completely fine for tweens and teens. The hip-hop track contains no questionable adult content or foul language, focusing instead on some good, clean boasting about having a lot of artistic talent. read more

Age 11+
"Magic" (single featuring Rivers Cuomo)
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Dora the Explorer: We Did It! by Dora the Explorer, Shakira
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a greatest hits album of all the Dora the Explorer hits and faves from the TV show. There are some new songs with a more mature (but still kid-appropriate) sound, and a guest appearance from singer Shakira. read more

Age 2+
Dora the Explorer: We Did It!
5
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"Just the Way You Are" (CD single) by Bruno Mars
Parents Need to Know...

that this song is a super-sweet and innocent single about a guy who loves his girl exactly as she is. With no adult content or graphic language whatsoever, the song is a great choice for kids of any age. read more

Age 8+
"Just the Way You Are" (CD single)
3
More music reviews

Advice for Parents & Educators

Check out what's new in theaters for your family. New kids' movies now playing

Can 3-D Movies Be Harmful? Don't go lightly into that 3-D movie. What you need to know about 3-D.

Online Games Guide Advice, tips, and great online games for every age

Want More Great Advice?

What can you do to help your kids? Find great tips on everything from avoiding violent tv to online safety.

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