The movie Annie and adoption?

Question

My niece is really into this movie and my adopted two year old doesn't understand it yet and I am not really sure what to do here. Should we let her watch it with her cousin as she gets older? I am really struggling with this...if we hide it then it becomes a Pandora's Box and she may want to see it even more, but if we let her see it are we being insensitive to her being adopted?

Constructive thoughts only please! Thanks!

Answer 1

Wow, thats a tough one. When I was little, annie was my FAVORITE MOVIE EVER. But its because I related it to my loss, my aparents never "got it." Now that I look back, the movies kinda lame, really sterotypical, and not the reality of adoption so it very well could have given me conflicting feelings about myself. I can remember just wanting to watch it over and over though, the first "orphan" i "knew of."

sorry, i guess i really have no advice for you... i'm conflicted myself.

Answer 2

I watched this movie when I was little and never even equated it to my situation or being adopted.  I knew it was just a movie and a fictional story even as little as I was.

I actually didn't like the movie, though, so maybe somewhere deep down it bothered me...who knows, but it didn't affect me that much that I would need to be kept from watching it.

Anyway, I don't think you need to protect your child, kids are smarter than most people realize.

Answer 3

I was adopted but I still see my mother everyday but neways..I think it would be ohkayy. But I would tell her that she is adopted around the age of 6 cause i was very upset with my God mother that adopted me.

Answer 4

Is your child is raised, like I was, and our 2 adopted children were , knowing that she was adopted, and that she was chosen by her you why would there be a pandora's box?. Adoption is nothing to be ashamed of-  let her watch it for the music and the fun.  No you are not being insensitive at all- actually ANNIE when of my children were little, it was one of their fav. movies.

Answer 5

Annie (Okay, I'm thinking of the c1980 version, have only seen the c2000 version once or twice) is a completely clean movie for children..

Sure, a 2  year old won't understand all of it, but she'll still like it because of the fun songs and dances and the fact that the primary cast are small children.. I say let her watch it.. It's not going to confuse her.. if she asks questions about it as she gets older, just answer them in a way appropriate for her age..

I grew up watching Annie... I think an adopted child would relate to the orphan story, and the idea that even if she has lost her biological family, she can still find love with her adoptive family..

Answer 6

I think that it's a good thing to let her know that she is adopted, even when she is little. I think it would be a hard for an older child who didnt know to suddenly be told when they get older.I dont think letting her know early on the truth is in any way being insensitive. So, yes, I think it would be ok to let her view the movie/

Answer 7

I was adopted and from the first time that I could understand-I knew it. I was taken in by a couple at six weeks old. I wasn't adopted until I was three. But, the entire time before I was adopted, they told me about it. I am grateful for this. It made me feel wanted, like they  picked me special over other kids. By the time that the adoption hearing came, I was up for it! Let your child watch the film, she may never even ask about adoption. It's a great kid's film and , like I said before -she might not ask a thing! If she does, then tell her the truth. If you don't,when she grows up,you run the risk that she will not trust you. I say, from experience-let her watch it and tell the truth if she asks.

Answer 8

I think Annie is a bit too difficult for any 2 year old, adopted or not! Let her watch a movie that is more related to her age. Not because of the adoption simply because the story of Annie is way over her head! she will love the movie when she is older I am sure, and will be able to relate to it. All the best.

Answer 9

You can never go wrong with the truth...

Lies and hiding things never ends well..

Answer 10

If she wants to watch it that bad let her. There is really nothing in the movie that will harm her.

Answer 11

Annie is a very well-known and loved musical.

Every little girl should be able to watch it!

As for the adoption issue...

SECRETS are the TRUE Pandora's box.

Banning the movie because of her adoption

would create feelings of insecurity and confusion.

It is a harmless movie.

You can't shelter a child for a lifetime.

Let them enjoy.

Answer 12

If she's raised knowing she is adopted, there will not be a Pandora's Box.  I had my daughter before I was married and my husband adopted her.  She always knew.  She is now a very well adjusted, happy, independent 19-year-old young woman studying to become a teacher!

Answer 13

I don’t think too many two year olds would have the mind frame to sit through all of Annie, if she wants to jive to some of the songs all the power to her. If she knows she is adopted I don’t think it will be a problem.  I really don’t see how Annie would be insensitive?  Poor little Orphan girl whose parents are deceased finale gets adopted. The same with Oliver Twist.