As a parent, it can be difficult to decide if a TV show or musical is appropriate for your pre-teen child. SIX is a popular musical that has gained attention recently, leaving many parents wondering if it is suitable for their 12 year old. There are a few key factors to consider when evaluating age-appropriateness.
What is SIX about?
SIX is a musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII. It depicts the lives and fates of each wife, focusing on their relationships with Henry VIII and each other. The show features pop music and lyrics that modernize the historical story. There are themes of feminism, empowerment, heartbreak, and resilience.
Language
SIX contains some profanity and sexual innuendo. There are words like “damn,” “bitch,” “hell,” and “shit.” The lyrics also contain sexual references, like “did I abuse her or show her some courtesy?” and “he got down to business and changed my life.” There are references to beheading and death as well.
Sexual content
In addition to sexual references in the lyrics, SIX shows the King’s wives wearing revealing costumes. There are dance moves that could be deemed suggestive or inappropriate for young teens. Some scenes depict Henry VIII being unfaithful and objectifying his wives.
Violence
SIX includes references to historical violence – most notably, the beheadings of Henry VIII’s wives. This includes simulated neck slicing gestures. The show handles these moments with some comedy, but the dark themes are still present.
Positive messages
While SIX has mature content, it also contains positive messages. The show highlights each queen’s strength, with empowering songs about surviving, standing up for oneself, and moving on. There are themes of feminism and encouraging women’s voices.
Reviews
SIX has generally positive reviews from critics. On Common Sense Media, an independent review site for parents, SIX is recommended for ages 14 and up. The review notes that the show “celebrates the resilience and strength of women.” It highlights sexually suggestive choreography and costumes as well as the violent references.
Awards
SIX has won several awards, including:
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
- Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreography
- Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical
It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Popularity with pre-teens
SIX has developed a strong following among pre-teens and young teens, especially girls. The pop rock music and themes of girl power resonate with this age group. However, some parents express concern over exposing 12 year olds to sexual content, profanity, and violent references in SIX.
Guidance from child development experts
Experts generally advise closely considering your own child’s maturity and sensitivity when deciding if SIX or similar entertainment is appropriate. Key factors include:
- Your child’s ability to separate fantasy from reality
- Their comfort with sexuality and innuendo
- Their response to strong language
- Discussing difficult themes like abuse, divorce, death
Knowing your child’s personality and development can help determine if they are ready to handle mature content in the context of musical theater and history.
Alternatives to consider
If you decide SIX is not suitable for your 12 year old currently, some alternatives to consider include:
- School of Rock – youth musical with harmless themes
- Hamilton – historical musical with some profanity
- Wicked – musical about misunderstood women with fantasy violence
- Six the Musical highlights album – allows enjoying the music without mature content
Attending with your child
If you want to take your 12 year old to see SIX, some tips include:
- Review plot and themes together first – discuss any concerns
- Remind them it’s dramatization not real history
- Explain that some content is designed for adults
- Leave at intermission if they feel uncomfortable
- Discuss any mature content and your values afterwards
Attending theater with your child can be a great shared experienced if you help them process the mature content.
Setting expectations
Before your child sees SIX, set clear expectations about language, sexuality, violence and how you want them to think about these topics in the context of a musical. Remind them the show is meant for entertainment, not education.
Trusted supervision
If your child sees SIX without you there, be sure it is with trusted adult supervision like a teacher, other parent, etc. Check if the supervisor finds the content appropriate for the age group attending.
Maturity varies
Keep in mind that maturity levels vary greatly among 12 year olds. While one child may be able to handle SIX, another may not. Consider your child’s individual sensitivity and cognitive development when deciding if they are ready for this content.
Talking to other parents
It can be helpful to ask other parents if they allowed their 12 year olds to see SIX and why. Learn what their experience was. But remember that every child is different, so those perspectives may not match your child’s needs.
A teaching opportunity
If you decide SIX is appropriate for your 12 year old, view it as a teaching opportunity. Discuss the themes of gender roles, fidelity in relationships, and the importance of empowered women standing up to misogyny. Ask them how they interpreted the violent moments and lyrics.
Bottom line
While popular with pre-teens, SIX contains quite a bit of mature content. Sexuality, strong language, innuendo, and dark historical themes make it questionable for 12 year olds. However, you know your child best. With guidance and supervision, SIX could be an inspiring musical experience. Use your parental wisdom to decide if your child is ready.
Conclusion
Determining if entertainment is age-appropriate is a constant challenge for today’s parents. Musicals like SIX that resonate powerfully with pre-teens often have content suitable only for older teens or adults. Carefully considering factors like language, sexual references, violence, and overarching messages can provide insight into if your 12 year old is ready for a musical like SIX. While maturity varies among this age group, the show’s themes of empowerment could provide an inspiring theatrical experience with the proper context and parental guidance. Know your pre-teen, assess their ability to handle mature content, preview the themes together, and set expectations. With mindfulness and communication, parents can make informed choices about SIX and other entertainment for the unique developmental needs of each child.
