The most anticipated month for Twi-fans everywhere is finally here. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Jacob Black, Alice Cullen, and the rest of the Cullen clan return in Twilight ‘New Moon’, the newest installment of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight movie saga set to open in theaters Friday, November 20th.
Twilight sparks communication
While The Twilight Saga is fictional and Stephanie Meyer probably did not have intentions for the book to mentor young teens and tweens, the story has become something of a bonding phenomenon among mothers and daughters.
Reading the books together and mutually swooning over Edward is great, but that’s not where it needs to end. As influential adults, mothers (and teachers, librarians, aunts, etc) have an opportunity to start a conversation concerning the real life parallels running through these tales. There is plenty to work with, from the choices facing a serious relationship to the realities of owning one's sexuality.
The bottom line is that the series is an incredible love story primarily between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, but also the brother-sister type love and adoration between Bella and Jacob Black. Throughout the entire Twilight saga, you find many people that work hard at keeping their families (and, in some cases, wolf packs) intact and safe.
Twilight lessons
The only characters portrayed in the series that are not married are Bella's own parents, Charlie and Renee. This becomes important in later parts of the series when Edward wants to marry Bella and even though she is willing to commit herself to spending eternity with her Edward, she is apprehensive about marriage, due to her parent's failed marriage. The story emphasizes the importance of commitment to marriage and family throughout each novel.
One of the most important lesson moms like to share from Twilight ‘New Moon’ is the concept of chastity. While Bella might wish to give in to her human desires at more than one point as the story progresses, Edward continues to just say no. What mom couldn’t give Twilight thumbs up on this point alone?
While it’s time for those strong and pretty, but creepy, vamps and wolves to once again devour the big screen, it’s also a great time to sit on your daughter’s bed, go out for coffee, or take a walk together. Whether the topic is Twilight, school or her favorite color, keep the conversation going and get to know each other better. It can only benefit you both.
Share with us
What do you think? Will you go see New Moon? Have you read the books? What's a conversation starter for you with your daughter?
For a great review of all four of the Twilight books, check out:
Book Review: All 4 "Twilight" books! Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn by blogger jodypag!
About the author: Suzi Milovanovic is a mommy blogger for RealMomsGuide.com. She is fanatical about researching and getting the word out about issues important to parents. She has also written several articles for SheKnows, in addition to other notable websites and publications, including her own local Phoenix Metro parenting websites. She is on Twitter with her alter-ego Suzi Says!
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