Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Eerie reality show exploits more than it informs.

A&E Reality TV 2008
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

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.

Community Reviews

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Vanessa Grayson Adult
May 6, 2022
age 18+

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Comment1973
Comment1973 Adult
December 23, 2020
age 18+

Relatable

I believe most the stories. The one that predicts things in her dreams, I do that. I told a friend she was pregnant before she knew, I also told her it was a boy and would die with the number six. 6 months pregnant she lost him. I knew my mother had a heart attack before I got the call. I knew someone I knew was suicidal and made the call that saved them. Currently I am dealing with a spirit that messes with my child. She says he talks to her, I have seen only a female in the building. I feel him, and he isn't giving harmful vibes but he scares my child. I tell them often to leave my child alone and they do for a while. When she was 2 when we moved in she saw it. She couldn't say boy or girl just called it "that". Honestly, I am tired. Tired of feeling others pain, seeing the bad, hearing "them" talking, It started when I was 13 and almost died, 106 fever charted in my medical file, I should have died or at least been in a coma, neither happened. Now I'm stuck with this crap. My daughter and one son has the abilities as well. The spirit attached to me won't tell me its name so I named it. My son's spirit told me its name is Jax. My daughter still won't say a spirits name. Warning to anyone visiting, dont badmouth anyone in my home, stuff will fall. Happened twice. Watch and learn how to help your child. Believe them when they say stuff about it. Help them learn, don't be scared. Embrace it and know that when we die, we dont just stop being.
See all 8 parent reviews

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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)?

TV Details

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