DVDs and kids

[Theresa]

snip
> PS, on the original subject--my son actually handles DVD's and CD's 
> pretty well, we haven't had any major scratches since he was about 
18 
> mos. old.  Plus, he's the only one in the family to know what all 
the 
> buttons on the remote are for:)

That's funny but sadly true nowadays. Anyway...
I would have to agree with you about depending on the child for both 
your subjects - scary movie bits and handling the DVDs. My sons are 
now 13 and 9 3/4 (he pointed that out to me just today)...anyway, 
first on the handling - mine do really well actually and have since 
they were toddlers with computer cds (showed my oldest how to play 
education software and the age of 4 and his brother at about 3). They 
have always put in their own videos (even that dreaded purple 
dinosaur) and also music cds. I showed them how to never touch the 
written side and believe it or not they have always been cautious how 
they handle cds and now DVDs. The tapes sometime became building 
blocks (at least they were in their boxes). They even have a 
PlayStation 2 and treat the disc well. However, my sister-in-law's 2 
boys (nearly 9 and 5) touch cds and DVDs, drop them on the floor, 
spill stuff on them etc. And they have always been allowed to put in 
their own movies (except at my house). I have been trying to show 
them proper care. So I really think it depends on the kids.
As for the scary parts, my youngest has loved scary things as long as 
I can remember and in fact when he was 4 he saw Jurasic Park at a 
sitters (didn't use them again), but they said he just said things 
like man that guy is a goner or better run faster. Where as my oldest 
who was 8 then ran and hid. Granted sometimes they have a scary dream 
but we talk about it and they feel better. 
Anyway, that's my 2 cents on the matter.

Theresa