Kinship Caregiving is the full-time care of children by relatives, non-related family members, friends, or community members. This practice has been used for centuries and continues to be preferred for children who are unable to live with their biological parents. Kinship care can include formal (foster care, custody, guardianship, adoption) and informal (an agreement with the parents to care for their child with no legal or welfare intervention) situations.
September is National Kinship Care Month, which recognizes the necessary and honorable job that Kinship caregivers do. There are plenty of films that have to do with caregiving. Here are 5 movies to watch for National Kinship Care Month.
Lilo and Stitch
Lilo and Stitch was released in 2002 and quickly became an instant classic. Stitch became a lovable character that has merchandise just about everywhere. What people seem to overlook is the amazing relationship between Lilo and her older sister Nani.
Lilo and Nani’s parents are said to have died due to a car crash on a rainy night. Nani has been raising Lilo on her own while dealing with many hardships. This movie does a great job of showing off the love of a sibling and how everything isn’t so easy. Nani does her best to be there for her sister while struggling to find a job and make ends meet. It is not always easy but the love definitely comes through.
Big Hero 6
Big Hero 6 introduced the world to the lovable Baymax as well as a family adventure that was both thrilling and heartfelt. Brothers Hiro and Tadashi lost their parents when Hiro was only 3. They were both taken in by their Aunt Cass and grew up close together.
Cass is a loving, hard-working woman who is always someone the boys can go to for anything. She even remains calm through tragedy and is strong for Hiro. She is the epitome of what kinship could be and is easily one of the best aunts to be on film.
Marcell the Shell with Shoes On
In 2021, Marcell the Shell got his own movie. Based on some short films that were seen online by many, we finally got Marcell’s first feature film. Not only is it a winner, it has a surprisingly strong message about grief.
Marcell lives with his grandmother Connie in the home of Dean. His grandmother helped raise him ever since the rest of his family was taken. They bond over things such as gardening and the television show 60 Minutes. Marcell has definitely missed his family but his grandmother remains there for the shell keeping him in high spirits.
Secondhand Lions
Haley Joel Osment became infamous when The Sixth Sense came out. A great little movie that some may not know about starring Haley is called Secondhand Lions.
The story is about a young boy named Walter who is sent by his selfish mother to stay with his two cranky uncles who are rumored to have a big fortune. At first, it’s hard to get along but the two uncles warm up to Walter while Walter awakens something inside the uncles as well. This is a movie that shows that sometimes when you think you have no one, there are people who will care about you. Filled with adventure and excellent writing, this is one more people should definitely check out.
The Witches
The Witches is a 1990 film based on the book by Roald Dahl. The story is about a group of witches who meet for a convention in a hotel. The topic of discussion is a plan that would wipe out children. When a young boy named Luke gets wind of this, he sets out to stop them. He isn’t alone though.
This is definitely a movie that pushes the envelope when it comes to horror in a children’s film. It is a fun, thrilling film that is watched every Halloween at my house. The story is about a young boy who loses his parents in a car accident while on vacation visiting his grandmother. Because of this, his grandmother takes him in and promises to raise him.
She is a strong role model and she is fearless especially when it comes time to battle the witches. Together, both grandmother and grandson have to work together to save all the children in the world.
Kinship Care is a significant and supportive option for many people who are looking for help. Be sure to reach out to your local Kinship Care Program if you or someone you know needs a hand. And happy movie watching.
