I saw that movie last weekend and it isn't the kind of movie I enjoy, but my husband really wanted to see it. It IS NOT a kids' movie. I thought it was scary, but I also know it's just a movie.

A few weeks ago, we went to see that Ben Stiller movie "Zohan" and there were mostly parents bringing their kids. It was totally inappropriate for kids and not one parent got up and left with their kids. I guess the price of a movie ticket is more important than exposing kids to the adult humor/sexual innuendo in a movie.

That issue really goes back to one parent being seen as trying to control what the other does. If you can think of a way to comment on how terrible it is that kids today are being exposed to adult stuff in TV and movies and maybe tell him that your kids told you how scared they were at the movie, then maybe he'd be a little more receptive than if you come across as trying to criticize him or tell him what to do. Make it about the kids. Personally, I think guys don't think about that stuff and they tend to do things with the kids that mom's wouldn't.. like rough housing. Mom's worry about injuries... Dad's, while I'm sure they don't want their kids to get injured, are not worried about it so much usually.

I have a very civil relationship with my ex, but also have the same problem with movies. My ex has taken our child to see movies from "The Ring" to "Zohan" and let him play games like Grand Theft Auto. I told him I did not like our child seeing those types of movies. But then he continued to take him to see them. I can't control what he does during his visitation as far as movies are concerned.

So I am past the point of trying to control what my son sees when he is there. All I can do is discuss what my son sees with him. Much of the sexual innuendos in movies go right over his head luckily. As far as the violence I just talk about it with him and discuss the differences from movies to real life. My son has not had any issues from seeing this stuff and is not a violent child, nor does he have nightmares.

So you can mention it to your ex by saying that your son really was scared by that movie and you really try to monitor what he watches. You can ask him to take your son to see movies that are g rated or a light pg movie. If he does not follow your request I do not think there is a whole lot you can do. I have learned to pick my battles with my ex to keep things civil.

Thanks, mom2. That's basically what I have resigned myself to. It's hard to instill morals and positive values in my children when they are subjected to the total opposite with daddy. I just keep trying, and doing whatever it takes...Thank you.

I've learned in dealing with my CSD's CPBM that you can't ever make it look like you question their judgment or they go on the instant defensive. Perhaps something like "Little Johnny mentioned he was pretty scared during the movie last weekend and that he likes the cartoon superhero movies much more than the 'real' ones. Did he mention that to you?"

If you try to throw down rules and regulations for 'his' time they will not be well received, so I've learned subtle hints at how you want things to go are the only chance you have to show them right from wrong. Good luck!

You can also suggest more appropriate movies or things to do before the next visit. Good luck.

I'm just going to build on KK's suggestion:
Maybe you could text something like "DS has been really excited to see (insert age-appropriate movie here) since he saw the trailer on TV. Just thought I'd give you a heads-up so you could have a really cool surprise planned"

The new Batman's are a little darker than the older ones from the 90's. I think people see it's Batman and assume it's kid appropriate. I wouldn't take the girls to see the Dark Knight but we DO let them watch the Pirates of The Carribean movies. We got chastised from the sitter for that...lol.

They call my dad Pirate and they associate those movies with him so they love watching them. We have a really good idea of what will and will not scare the girls and we never let them watch anything with too much "adult content" in it. I see alot of 3 and 4 year olds running around with Captain Jack Sparrow shirts on so we must not be the only ones.