Marley & me.... I'm the worst mother ever!!!!

[April Cliber]

Two years ago I read Marley & me. I laughed, I cried (well more like sobbed.) I loved it! From the moment I heard about the movie I have been eagerly anticipating it's arrival in theaters. It's funny how over time your memory dulls a bit. I remembered some things in the book that might not be child friendly, but the movie is rated PG, so I ASSume that those things aren't included. I know the ending is sad, but also know it's very funny and again, ASSume it may be sad at the end, but the kids will enjoy it. After all, it's about a silly dog, right? I am not knocking the movie. As an adult it was entertaining, hysterical at times, emotional and well done. In the eyes of my children it was... well let's just say I have significantly traumatized and scarred them. First, it was boring for a kid, second there are a couple bedroom scenes, NOT graphic, but certainly more than I want my 7 & 10 year old to see. I covered their eyes through a couple of parts. There was much more language than I remember being allowed in PG movies. I'm sure I was more aware of it being that my kids were on either side of me. I may not have noticed it otherwise. Then there was the ending. We (along with the rest of the theater) sobbed and I mean SOBBED through the last 20, or so minutes. It was heart wrenching. Again, as an adult, I can handle it. My kids were heart broken an continued to cry after the movie was OVER! Now they are worried about how & when their dogs will DIE! Well, ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas. I just paid to strike fear and worry into my children. I am the kind of protective mother that annoys the crap out of people. Now, I'm a guilt ridden mother who will do more research before taking kids to a "silly dog" movie again. I'll humbly accept my crappy mother of the year award now.

[Holly Paterniti]

I forgot to add..................you are NOT a terrible mother

[Holly Paterniti]

Hmmmmm................I was thinking of taking the kids to see this..........I am thinking that my oldest Dylan will be ok about it. I know he will become said, but probably could relate to the content because we have lost our 2 dogs this past year. It was quite difficult and there really is no way of preparing him prior to the death of our first dog named Tyler because we found him in the crate with his half brother. He and I just held each other as we sobbed.

Do you think it would be ok for him to see this?

[Lynda Kamrath]

I have to disagree with you. My husband and I saw the movie last night and we thought it was excellent. I think it is great that they put the part of canine euthanasia in the movie. All pet owners have to go through that at the end of their pet's life and it is not easy. But it is real. Jennifer Aniston did a great part in the movie and it really shows what life is like with a young family. It is PG for a reason. Parents need to be able to talk about some difficult issues with a child who watches this movie, but it is a great opportunity to talk about some hard things in life. I definitely would not recommend it for young children, but PG 13 would be a correct designation. Teen-aged children can (and should) talk about this part of life. I loved the book and feel that the movie was an accurate rendition of the book. But . . . it is always good to really check out a movie before taking children to see it.

[Belinda Stevens]

Don't beat yourself up! Think of it as tough love! Remember when you watched Ol' yellow or even Bambi for crying out loud...that was a cartoon. It traumatized me as a child and look how I turned out.... ok bad example. Look these things are part of life. It sucks for sure and we all want to kick ourselves for doing things to our kids that we wish we hadn't but it will give you funny stuff to talk about when they grow older. I screwed up my daughter letting her watch the Green Mile. She cried for days about that mouse. Now that she is 20 we can joke about it. Look at it this way. It will make them love the dogs even more knowing that they are not going to always be there. There are our best friends for a short time so love them for what they are and with everything you have.
Sorry so long winded there.

[April Cliber]

Your welcome, Lori. I'm glad I saved at least one child will be spared. :o)

[marcia hill]

you are not a crappy mother. Kids are exposed to death at differant times in there life. All you did was prepare them for life. cant wait to see the movie Marcia

[Maya]

Wow... we were going to take the kids to the movie tomorrow. NO WAY NOW! Thanks for the post!

I have not finished the book, I keep postponing it, because I knew the end would be sad - how many REAL-life dog movies have a happy ending? None! They have to die at the end, and that's why I have not had a dog in 16 years, and said I'd never have one again (losing two seemed more than enough for a lifetime)! It's a heartbreak waiting to happen! And here I am again... with a new doggie by my side! I don't know what's wrong with me. I wish I were one of those people who can love their pet, but be totally logical about losing it - dogs live shorter than people, so it's to be expected that we'll lose them sooner or later... not me - I am the kind of person who obsesses over everything. I'll shut up now! Again - thank you so much for writing about your experience at Marley and Me. You've helped me a lot! Maya

[Janie]

I give you an A+ as a mother. I think all of us mothers and grandmothers should protect our kids.