Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Eerie reality show exploits more than it informs.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series investigates alleged paranormal activity affecting children. Although the adults in the series express a real desire to help the kids, the show's eerie music and dark, shadowy scenes make it more exploitative than informative. The many conversations about ghosts, spirits, murder, and the occult may frighten young kids (and older viewers who are spooked by this sort of thing). The show includes footage of Christian rituals and prayer, often within the context of removing evil spirits. Mild language like "crap" is audible, while stronger language is fully bleeped out.

  • The series is more exploitative than informative, but it does focus on validation and supporting children. Many Christian rituals are shown. Coffey openly discusses his belief in God and angels. Most of the children and their families are Caucasian; one family is Native American.
  • Includes discussions about people being murdered and their spirits "coming back" or wandering. In one episode, a child is haunted by a young boy who was killed by his mother. Kids share descriptions of violent acts that angry spirits and demons have performed against them.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

PSYCHIC KIDS: CHILDREN OF THE PARANORMAL introduces viewers to kids who allegedly possess psychic gifts but are too young and/or afraid to understand and embrace their abilities. In each episode, three kids are brought together by medium Chip Coffey (best known for his work on Paranormal State) and Columbia University psychologist Lisa Miller to share their experiences and better comprehend what they're experiencing. During the retreat, the kids' perplexed and often frightened parents share their own thoughts and fears about what's happening. Throughout it all, the kids engage in various activities to help them hone in on their abilities while being validated by those who understand them.


Is it any good?

 

The series centers on the sympathetic idea that kids who demonstrate psychic abilities often struggle to find acceptance in a society that doesn't understand what they're going through. The kids featured on the show often share feelings of isolation and frustration as a result of being unable to talk about their experiences with others, which may resonate with viewers who feel different for their own reasons. Their parents, many of whom have spent years trying to find a medical explanation for their kids' behavior, also fear the social backlash that can result if their child is associated with the paranormal.

But while Coffey and Miller seem genuinely committed to helping the kids and their families cope with what they're going through, the series seems to exploit the youngsters' alleged psychic abilities for the sake of entertainment. The endless use of eerie background music and the many dark, shadowy scenes and random images seem intended to spook, rather than really educate viewers on what these kids are experiencing. Some of the conversations with the kids also appear rehearsed, and scenes are often stopped at specific points to create suspense. As a result, the kids' stories become less believable. But for teens who like this sort of thing, it makes for OK viewing.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how the media usually depicts the paranormal and its impact on kids. How do films like The Exorcist contribute to the way people think about spirits, ghosts, and the paranormal? Do you think shows like this one are intended to change the way that people think about paranormal activity, or is it just for entertainment? Families can also discuss how kids cope with feeling "different." How can we help stop kids from feeling isolated and/or inadequate when they're experiencing something that other peoiple don't understand (or even believe in)?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 16 years old
April 27, 2010
 
Help, I love the show but my daughter won't watch it as her bad entities come out.
I have a 14 year old daughter who has both positive and negative entities. I have trying everywhere to find help and can't find anyone. I have tried e-mailing the show with no avail. If anyone can lead me to the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. I watch the show all the time and try to get my daughter to but the bad entities arrive. I think the show is great and try not to miss an episode as I'm trying to help my daughter with her special gift. I have never doubted her since she's been 3 years old, but it is hard to explain to people. Thanks and God Bless everyone out there with this special ability - Jodi Heger

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 
must see
i think this show was a real mind opener. i am a true secpitic and i loved the show. i loved everything about this show. althou alot of people may not belive in the powers of these gifted childern i found it intersting to watch i think everyone should give this show a chance

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
surprised
i was concerned about exploiting the children; but that is not the case here.Both Lisa and Chip appear to handle the situations carefully. This show can be helpful.

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Teen, 15 years old
May 15, 2010
 
if you have a paronomal relitive.I can help you out just sin me a letter and I can give you your answer.

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 
I PEED in my pants!!!!!

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Parent of 17, 19, and 24 year old
July 18, 2009
 
I love this show because my kids and I have had paranormal experiences for a long time, good and bad, but mostly good. I think I would let all ages watch this show so they can understand what can go on in life.

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Teen, 16 years old
October 28, 2011
 
Awesome
This show is awesome. It does not focus on scaring you like some shows, but focuses on helping these gifted children. I feel like this show really shows people how to deal with these things. Some scares, and a feeling of sadness during episodes with little kids. I think this show is great. Watch it with kids under 12.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
awesomw show
i love this show, i watch it every week and my mom also likes it. i recomend this show to anybody who's interested in the paranormal.

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Teen, 14 years old
April 2, 2011
 
Great and interesting show! There is some scary stuff, but it's not like it shows the people getting killed

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:A&E
Cast:Chip Coffey, Lisa Miller
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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