Managing Your Kids' Obsession with All Things Twilight

In Role models and stereotypes by Liz Perle, on 09.02.2009

Twilight Obsession: Should You Worry?

Teens (and their moms) love Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

  • So far, there are three movies -- Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse -- plus four books in the Twilight series
  • Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart play the lead lovers Edward and Bella
  • The books and movies are age-appropriate for teens
  • Being passionate about a specific subject is age-appropriate

Advice & Answers


Are your kids (and you) obsessed?

Not since Harry Potter cast his first spell has the world witnessed a book-series-turned-movie-phenomenon like Stephenie Meyers' Twilight Saga. After the books gained popularity, the movies came quickly. First Twilight, then New Moon, followed by Eclipse. Teens (and many moms) were swept away by the mysterious characters, the obsessive romance, and dueling enemies (werewolves and vampires). And why not? With brooding Robert Pattinson as Edward and spunky Kristen Stewart as Bella, who could resist this guilty pleasure? Are some kids obsessed with Twilight? You bet. Should you worry? Not really. Teens are passionate about what they love. It’s not unusual or age-inappropriate.


Make the most of it

Teens will talk to each other about relationships, but they probably won’t chew your ear off about their crushes or ask your advice about that boy or girl that they’re involved with. But the great thing about books and movies like Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse is that they offer a way to talk about relationships without risking the cold shoulder from your kids. The dynamic among all the young vampires, werewolves, and plain old humans is so true-to-life (blood-sucking and shape-changing aside) that you can find out what’s going on without invading teens’ privacy.


Starting the conversation

Sit down and watch Twilight with your kids. Ask them what they love about the series and why they relate to the characters. What is it about Edward that makes him a dream boyfriend? And why is Bella so appealing?

Have a reality check. Point out the differences between actors and characters and ideal relationships versus real-life romances.

Take a moment to enjoy something with your kids -- even if your conversation begins and ends with, “Pass the popcorn, please.”