She's Back! Season 3 of @KimmySchmidt on @Netflix_CA #Streamteam #Ad

Mommy is going to need some "Me" time because Kimmy Schmidt is back!

That's right people! Season 3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt will be here May 19th!

Disclaimer: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts and sharing. 

All opinions are my own. 

What does this Mom want for Mother's  Every Day? 
Uninterrupted Netflix time to stream my favourite shows and movies. So fold your own socks, and make your own meals cause this Mom is otherwise engaged. 

But feel free to bring me coffee and snacks ...
Because I'll be too busy binge watching all the shows I'm midway through streaming to make it for myself. I want to be fully focused on Kimmy when May 19th comes around! 

If for some bizarre reason you haven't watched the first 2 seasons of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt might I suggest you get cracking! That means HURRY! Like go NOW! RIGHT NOW! NOW!

Happy Streaming People! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Kimmy. 

Inside Minds of Teens: Common Ground & Conversation #Streamteam #Ad @Netflix_CA

Ever feel like Parents are from Mars and Teens are from Venus?

Gaining Insight into the Minds of Teens, Finding Common Ground and Starting Conversations with a little help from Netflix:

 Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation. All opinions are my own.

I have to admit there are times when it seems like my kids and I are speaking different languages, or worse not speaking at all. I'm not sure if having boys and our differing gender plays any part in the degree of awkwardness involved in some of our conversations, or if it's merely a parent-child generation gap thing. I do know as a parent it's important to have open lines of communication with my kids, and to find ways to make our conversations two way and meaningful. For that to happen I need my kids to feel comfortable(ish) opening up to me and their father, and to know we are here and available to talk about anything, even if "anything" is awkward and hard to talk about. I need my kids to know we'll always try to keep and open mind, and be supportive. They need to know that even if we're not thrilled about what they have to say, we love them and that won't change.  

Having said that I won't say no to a little help along the way gaining insight, finding common ground, and finding ways to help segue into some of the more challenging conversations. Turns out that watching some of your kids' favourite shows with them may just be the conversation bridge you're looking for. 

Watch what happened when Netflix brought some parents and teens together before and after watching 13 Reasons Why. 

Parent Cheat Sheet (because who doesn't need some cheat notes sometimes?)

Other Resources:

• 13 Reasons Why Talking Points (created by SAVE.org and JED Foundation)
• Beyond the Reasons (Netflix - after show and discussion with the cast, producers and mental health professionals)
• 13 Reasons Why Global Resource Website

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about connecting with our teens.

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts, and sharing. All opinions are my own.

Netflix-Cheating Excuse #46: "I was liaising between you and the show" #Ad #Streamteam @Netflix_CA

I wasn't cheating! I was acting as liaison between you and that show. 

... and Other Netflix-Cheating Excuses.

As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for my participation. All opinions are my own.

Who? Why? Where? When?

The above infographic clearly shows if you're a cheater cheater netflixing pumpkin eater, you're not alone. And really is a "lie by omission" really a lie, or merely a tiny oversight on your part to disclose you accidentally watched a show you promised to watch together? 

Sometimes a well executed apology is your best approach: 

Since realistically the majority of Netflix-Cheaters can expect to eventually get caught, brushing up on a heartfelt apology before hand just makes good sense. As can be seen by Michael Bolton's video there are many ways in which to personalize your apology. 

Hypothetically (don't hold your breath) these Netflix-Cheating excuses might also work:

• I derived no pleasure from it, but as liaison it's my job. 
• I'm a Netflix gigolo and currently looking into rehab options. 
• It's not my fault, it was an accident. 
• The devil made me do it.
• You can trust me ... honest.
• Did I? That's weird because I don't remember watching it? Are you sure?
• I'll never do it again.
• I DID NOT! PROVE IT! PROVE IT! PROVE IT! 

But chances are they will be met with this type of response:

• Your position as liaison as been rendered redundant, and your services in this regard are no longer needed. 
• I heard you're a player. Well hello player player, I'm the coach and you're benched! I'm looking for a Netnogomous* relationship, and clearly this isn't it.
• An accident?! An accident is falling off your bike. Nobody trips and accidentally hits play on Netflix for an entire episode. 
• Then you should be in a Streamationship** with the Devil not me! 
• Just because you didn't tell me, doesn't mean I won't find out. I have spidey senses.
• Now you're just insulting my intelligence pretending you didn't do it. Who are you? Shaggy? What's next a personal rendition of "It Wasn't Me"?
• That's what you said last time, and the time before that. I grow bored with your lies. 
• "Some people create their own storms and then get mad when it rains." and to clarify by some people I mean you.

*Netnogamous: A monogamous streaming relationship. 

**Streamationship: A close relationship between two people based on and related to viewing streaming and watching Netflix together.

Hacks for Netflix-Cheating:
Having said all that, if you're still intent on Netflix-Cheating the video below may be helpful since it's filled with hacks and tips for successfully Netflix-Cheating. 

A final note to Netflix-Cheaters:
If you're going to Netflix-Cheat make sure it's with a show that's truly worthy. Close your eyes, and just for a minute imagine your netnogamous* partner gave you a 24 hour "hall pass" ... what one show above all others do you consider binge worthy enough to use that "hall pass" on? That one show passes the "hall pass" test and is truly worthy. Personally I'd use my "Hall Pass" on Sherlock or Spotless.  

 Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Netflix and "Hall Passes". 

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.

If Not That, Then What? Age Appropriate Shows for Tweens #Ad #Streamteam @Netflix_CA

Age Appropriate Viewing Alternatives for Your Tweens.

As a Netflix Streamteam member I received special perks for my participation. Opinions are all mine. 

It's hard to say no to your kids when they ask to watch the "popular shows", especially when "all their friends get to watch them" (which may very well be true). But the truth is many of these shows are made for an adult audience, and although our kids think they are adults, they really aren't. Navigating the rating systems can be hard, especially when some episodes might be okay, while others contain content that's definitely not age appropriate for kids. 

This becomes especially problematic for that challenging pre-high school tween age group. I'm not suggesting kids should live in a bubble or not watch shows depicting some of the very challenging issues tweens and teens face today. I'm suggesting that how those issues are presented may not be appropriate for viewing on their own without accompanying conversations about issues that help to put things into context and perspective. Since we can't be there with our kids all the time, what can they watch that doesn't require supervision or conversations? 

In other words ... if not that, then what? I have watched, streamed, and hunted high and low for suggestions about popular themes that are age appropriate to help bridge the gap for you. Having said that I always recommend watching the shows yourself so you can decide if the content is appropriate for you and your child.

So If Not That ...                                 Then This

Note: One Day At A Time: I have not watched all the episodes, 

so not all may be appropriate for you and your child.

Here are some other streaming options (in my opinion) suitable for tweens:

• About A Boy (TV-PG)
• Big Bad Beetlebugs (Tv-7Y)
• Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV-PG)
• Full House (TV -G)
• Granite Flats (TV-G)
• Mako Mermaids (G)
• Roswell (PG)
• Victorious (G)
• Wizards vs Aliens (TV-PG)
• Worst Year of My Life, Again (TV-PG)

Just a reminder to parents: Kids are naturally drawn to animated shows and cartoons, but many are not age appropriate and contain mature content, for example Family Guy (TV-MA). It is important that you look at the content and the ratings prior to letting your kids watch them. What is acceptable for one parent may not be for another. Keep an eye out for a followup post with suggestions for animated shows and cartoon alternatives appropriate for tweens in the near future. 

You can get social with Netflix on twitter and catch all the Streamteam adventures by following the #Streamteam hashtag. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about streaming alternative for tweens. 

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own. 

My Lists of #Holiday Streaming Options #streamteam @Netflix_CA #Ad #WhatToWatch

A Daily Dose of Holiday Streaming ...

So much holiday streaming ... so little time! Family Friendly, Cheesy Romances, and Comedies oh my! Below are some lists I put together of Holiday Streaming options as of Dec 5th, 2016. 
May your days and nights be filled with love, laughter and cheer!

Family and Kid Friendly Holiday Movies & Shows:

Cheesy Holiday Romances:

Comedies (check rating for suitability):

Happy Holiday Streaming! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about holiday streaming.

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own. 

Letter from Cathy of Now to the Cathy of Then @Netflix_CA #Streamteam

Hindsight is 20-20.

In that case what would I tell my younger self about life and what it is to be a woman? What bits of wisdom and advice would I share with Cathy of the Then, and would she listen and take that advice? Probably not. Some things need to be experienced to understand and grow, and all those life experiences have made me into the person I am now. 

But if I was to write to the Cathy of the Then this is what I would share:

I Am Woman! Women are diverse and there is no single example of what a successful woman looks like, but instead many examples of diverse, strong, independent women and role models. Real women come in many shapes and sizes, with real issues, daily challenges, successes and strengths and weakness. I've listed some of my favourite series on Netflix that showcase some examples of strong female leads or characters. They are sure to at times make you think, laugh, cry, cheer, and redefine what being a women means. In my opinion as a woman it is my duty to teach my sons what a real woman looks like, and to share this message with younger women and support all my fellow women. Because in the words of Helen Reddy: If we have to we can face anything, we are strong, we are invincible, we are women. 

The Crown

Jessica Jones 

Gilmore Girls

• The Divide 
• Supergirl
• Bones
• Murdock Mysteries
• The Good Wife
• Offspring
• Drop Dead Diva

Don't stop there! Be sure to check out my What to Watch post and these documentaries about women. These are definitely worth watching! 

You can use the hashtag #streamteam to follow all the adventures of the Netflix Streamteam, and follow Netflix on twitter for all updates and info. 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for #Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.

Parenting Teens: Connecting Through Movies @Netflix_CA #Streamteam

It's Complicated ...

Such is the life of a teen or tween.

Such is the life of a parent to a teen or tween. 

The view from here...
We stand on the sidelines watching our kids juggle worries, concerns, pressures, and expectations: school, family, friends, dating. They start to push us to the sidelines as spectators rather than participant, or coach. They think we don't understand, like we've never been a teen. Whether we do or not matters little if our teens and tweens think we're clueless and tune us out.

Wah Wah Wah Syndrome ...  
Starting conversations, getting teens to talk, actively listen and hear our words of wisdom becomes challenging. It becomes a daily struggle to find balance between wanting to protect our kids and allowing them the independence to grow and mature. Ideally my kids can avoid some of life's mistakes and learn some of life's lessons through cautionary tales, rather than personal experience. 

Special Delivery ... 
How the message is delivered becomes as important as the message itself. It has to be presented in a way teens and tweens are willing to hear it. Movies and shows about teen life, choices, consequences, responsibility and self-worth can be very effective message delivery tools, and a great way to connect, bond and start dialogues with your tween or teen. 

Middle School & High School: In my day ... 
In my opinion may of the issues were the same, as were the challenges of parent-teen communication. When I was in high school (back with the dinosaurs) we had to deal with bullying, drugs, alcohol, suicide, teen pregnancy, sex, birth control, STD's, sexuality and social status. The fact is we started to deal with these issues in middle school. There were expectations and pressure regarding academic performance, marks and career choices. As well as expectations and pressure in regards performance in extra-curricular sports, arts, music. My parents limited my time on our land-line phone rather than a cell phone. My school had cliques and groups: the popular kids, jocks, keener smart kids, geeks, stoners, and punk rockers.

That was then, This is now ...
What has changed is the reach and the 24-7 access social media and the internet allows. In my day our circle of friends, influences, resources and support were largely limited by geography. Both have their pros and cons. Not only does the internet and social media open up new avenues for predators, and ways to bully, it also opens up ways to find support, and access information and resources.

Bonding, Dialogue and Finding Common Ground:
Below I've listed some shows and movies that might help to start dialogues about issues that face teens and tweens today. Many deal with the real issues facing kids today, without sugar coating. Some are examples of what not to do, or poor judgement and choices. We can't pretend these issues don't exist. We need to provide our kids with information to make good life choices, and model tolerance, acceptance and empathy. We know we need to be involved as parents, and movies or shows can help us to understand and relate to our kids, provide common ground and work as a great segues to conversation. Watching them together can also be a way to bond with our fickle tween or teen. 

Separate and Together:
I recommend watching these yourself so you are able to decide which are best for the kids to watch on their own, together with you, or just for you to watch to gain some insight and perspective on the pressures and issues facing teens today. 

Shows:
Switched at Birth (TV-14) (family, parenting, disabilities)
The Fosters (TV-14) (parenting, interracial same sex parenting, family, adoption, teens, sexuality, LGBT)

Gilmore Girls (TV-14) (single parenting, teen life, academic pressures)
Glee (PG) (sexuality, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, LGBT)

Life Unexpected (PG) (parenting, teen life, single parenting)
Dance Academy TV-PG) (pressures to succeed, competitive dance)
Freaks and Geeks (TV-14) (acceptance, tolerance, empathy, teen life)
Friday Night Lights (TV-PG) (competitive sports, pressures to succeed, parenting, teen life)
The Secret Life of the American Teenager (teenage pregnancy, sexuality, teen life)
Hjordis (sub-titles) (TV-14) (bullying, acceptance, empathy)
About A Boy (Series) (TV-PG) (acceptance, single parent, adult role-models)

Movies:
Family Party (TV-14) (family, culture, expectations, academic success) 
White Frog (NR) (special needs, Asperger's syndrome, labels, family, death, grieving, LGBT, parenting)
The First Time (PG-13) (teen life, sex, dating, relationships)
About A Boy (Movie) (PG) (single parenting, suicide, role models, acceptance, bullying, peer pressure)
Mean Girls (PG)
A Girl Like Her (PG-13) (bullying, suicide, teen life, social media, acceptance, peer pressure)
Prom (PG)
Boyhood (14A)
Easy A (PG) (teen life, acceptance, peer pressure, relationships, dating, sex, labels, stereotypes)
Breakfast with Scot (PG) (stereotypes, labels, single sex families, LGBT, acceptance, friendship)
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (PG-13)
Ender's Game (PG-13)
4 Minute Mile PG-13) (mentor, life choices, grief, teen life)
Billy Elliot - The Musical (NR)
Man Up (NR) (teen pregnancy and parenting)
Paper Towns (PG-13)
A Birder's Guide to Everything (parenting, death, grief, remarrying, friends, teen life)

How do you start challenging conversations and dialogue with your kids? 

Happy Streaming! 

Look for the #Streamteam hashtag and Netflix_CA on twitter to follow along on the Streamteam adventures.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about parenting teens. 

Note: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive Netflix and a streaming device free of charge for the purpose of my Netflix reviews and posts. All opinions are my own. 
Images for The Fosters and Glee courtesy of Netflix.

From Squabbles To Rainbows: Siblings Bond Over @Netflix_CA #Streamteam

Putting an end to the dreaded sibling squabbling ... 

and enjoying some well deserved peace and quiet.

I have two boys, born 20 months apart, and from an early age it was clear they have very different personalities. Their likes, interests, and hobbies are completely different. Even now as young adults they bicker and poke at each other over almost everything (it drives me CRAZY!). Having said that there are a few exceptions to the rule of sustained sibling squabbling. One such exception, when bickering turns to silence or even better laughter is when they watch a show they both like together. Suddenly the bickering "evil offspring" are all sunshine and rainbows. AND Mama like rainbows. 

Equation for Peace and Quiet, Sunshine and Rainbows:

As easy as 1, 2, 3

(Thing 1 + Thing 2) 

+

Sibling Bonding over 3 of their

favourite Netflix shows:

House of Cards

Arrested Development 

The Ranch

=

Peace and Quiet and Sunshine and Rainbows.

The above shows aren't appropriate for younger kids, but there are loads of great selections younger siblings are sure to agree on. Here are three great series perfect for some sibling bonding time. 

Project Mc2

Pee-Wee`s Big Holiday

Kong: King of the Apes

Kids still having trouble agreeing on what to watch? This Netflix What to Watch Fortune Teller is a great way the kids find consensus on their own. (Not a bad idea for the Hubby and me either lol)

You can follow along on all the #Streamteam adventures using the #Streamteam hashtag, and for Netflix Canada updates follow them on twitter. 

Happy Streaming!  

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about siblings bonding over Netflix.

Note: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive Netflix and a streaming device free of charge for the purpose of my Netflix Streamteam reviews and posts. All opinions are my own. 

Images for Shows and Fortune Teller are courtesy of Netflix. 

LEGO of My #Bionicle! @Netflix_CA #StreamTeam

Thing 1 started building Lego sets using the picture instructions or "map" as he called them long before he could read. 

I swear it seems like I gave birth to Thing 1 with a piece of LEGO in his hand. Fifteen years ago, LEGO released a line called "Bionicle" and for the next decade it became part of Thing 1's and therefore my daily life and focus. 

Over a 10 year period we would accumulate a VERY large collection of Bionicle LEGO sets, books, 4 movies, Nintendo DS games, Nintendo Gamecube games, posters... 

Doesn't every parent spend hours making shields and swords to complete their kid's LEGO Knight costume? Hmm ... Thing 1 insisted they all do.

Well it had been many years since I watched my son build a Bionicle until this arrived ...

My normally generous and loving son flat out refused to let his younger cousins have this. In fact he has been asking for it, well more like threatening to steal it and run for days now. Today I finally gave in and let him have it. 

Exciting News! You can now stream a new Netflix Original series called Bionicle: The Journey to One (season 1). The series which is a retelling of the original Bionicle story, follows LEGO's re-release of it's Bionicle line. Our resident Bionicle Expert gives the Bionicle series 2 thumbs up.

But that's not all! For all you LEGO fans Netflix has a great collection of other LEGO movies and series including another Netflix Original series LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship (season 1).

Be sure to check out these other LEGO titles currently available to stream on Netflix:

• LEGO: Batman the Movie
• LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes - MISSION BLUE
• LEGO: Marvel - Maximum Overload
• LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers
• LEGO: Lego City
• LEGO: Elves
• LEGO: Ninjago - Masters of Spinjitzu (3 seasons)
• LEGO: Ninjago - King of the Shadows
• LEGO: Legends of Chima (2 seasons)

You can follow along on all the StreamTeam adventures using the #Streamteam hashtag. And for Netflix Canada updates follow along on twitter.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Lego.

Note: As a member of the Netflix StreamTeam I receive Netflix and a streaming device free of charge for the purposes of my Netflix Streamteam posts. All opinions are my own.

Latest #What2Watch A Series called #AboutABoy New Episodes! @Netflix_CA #W2WW

What to Watch?

NEW EPISODES OF ABOUT A BOY!
Session 2 is now available!

As you all know, "What's Good to Watch?" is a common question amongst my friends and family, and the reason why I share movie and show recommendations on Cathy Thinking Out Loud every Wednesday (aka #W2WW). This week's recommendation is a series called About A Boy which you can find (with newly added Session 2) along with the movie About A Boy on Netflix Canada. Both the movie and the series are based or at least inspired by the Nick Hornby's novel About A Boy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this weeks recommendations, and please share your suggestions in the comments section. 

Happy Streaming!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what to watch.

Note: I have not been compensated for this post in any way. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers.