Moms of boys, what age would you let your son watch these movies?

I wouldn't let them watch any of those until they were 12-14 depends on the child.

my boys are 11 and 9 and they have been watching movies like that for a few years now.

My son is 7 years old and watched them all. What can possibly be so wrong about watching those movies? It's like those parents who don't let their boys play "cowboys and indians" with a "toy gun" in their hand. Geez, we all played with them and we didn't become "violent or professional killers" because of it !

Honestly.. My 3yos went to see Spiderman 3 when it came out at the movies. Loved it. Sat as quiet as quiet, and only once they made a noise, and it was at the end of the movie when Spiderman was hurt. They were about 2ish at the time. They have seen the Hulk, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, TMNT, etc, numerous times. We haven't seen Iron Man yet, but we hope to rent it out one day. My son's have a great maturity level for their age, and they just adore these movies (especially Marvel Comic Movies). They haven't been effected by any of it, and actually idolise half the characters. I pick my battles with them, and we all watch them as a family, so I have no problem with them. And I totally see your point about the toys, clothing with these characters on them aimed at young children.

I'm not a mom, but I'll comment anyway. My wife watched horror movies when she was around 5 years old. She grew up fine. I think what matters the most is that she knew the difference between fantasy and reality. Every child is different and every parent's values are different, but I strongly believe it depends on the maturity level of the child *and* the parents. My sister will cover her kids' eyes when she sees something "suggestive" or violent on regular TV. I don't agree with this because it creates the "forbidden fruit" scenario. If they do notice something they usually ask her questions about it and she tries avoiding the subject. The best thing to do is to always have open and honest communication with your little ones and explain to them what is real and what is not. They are going to encounter these images eventually at a friend's house or somewhere else. Would you feel more comfortable if they asked their friends about what they see or if they came to you instead?

I would allow them to watch those types of movies around 8 or 9. Most of the things they can watch on TV these days are just the same if not worse. Iron Man is violent, but not in a terrible way. Action movies aren't the ones I would hold off on, it's the scary ones that I would try to make them wait a while to watch because they are gory and most of them have nudity in them. Action movies like Spiderman are just exciting and since they are also cartoons, it is neat for younger kids to get to see those types of movies.

probably about 4 or 5. Depends on the child, really

So it's hard, being a good parent is hard. Just because your kids want something doesn't mean they get it! Violence does affect children, it makes them get used to it instead of being taken back by it! Your kids don't have to see the latest movies or have all the toys they want. It's YOUR job Mom to teach them and decide how you want them to be, is them being used to so much violence how you want to raise your boys. Is everything being EASY that important to you? Take a stand and raise your boys by your beliefs and forget about what's easy and DO WHAT IS RIGHT!

The best thing you can do is watch them first. I have a daughter and she has seen all of them. It depends on the kid, for example my daughter has a very laid back personality and does not get riled up easily. I don't think they are too violent and there is no sex so it should be fine.