Tips to Cope with Your Twilight Crazed Kids or Siblings

As novelist Stephanie Meyer's acclaimed film-adaption about a teen girl who falls in love with a vampire continues to make waves through American cinematic culture, the phenomenon that is Twilight has just begun. Teens and tweens across the country are rapidly scooping up all the vampire film paraphernalia they can get their hands on, often at the expense of their parents. Needless to say, retailers are quickly selling out of Edward & Bella t-shirts, posters, bookmarks, rings, bracelets, key chains, bumper stickers, and everything in between. And with a sequel and possible third film on the way, this is truly just the beginning.

Do you have a child driving you up the wall with their Twilight fixation? Maybe it's a younger sibling you simply can't seem to control when it comes to even the slightest mention of Edward or Bella. Here are some tips from my own personal experience in dealing with Twilight-obsessed family and friends.

1.Read the Novel for Yourself: The "Resistance is Futile" Approach

To borrow the classic adage from The Borg of Star Trek: The Next Generation, this reverse-psychology approach may help you gain some ground in the way of eliminating some frenzied behavior. If your child can see that you are well-versed in the Twilight story and culture, they may grow bored of discussing it or their fascination with it. Unfortunately, the reverse could also be true. If they know you're up and up on Edward and Bella, you may never be able to silence them. Use this approach wisely, depending on your child's psyche. I have seen it work well with younger children.

2. Remind yourself this is Just a Phase

The vast of majority of children and teens immersed in the current Twilight fad will likely grow out of it by their late teens or early twenties. As kids gradually enter adulthood, they become less and less interested in the passing trends associated with their maturing years and more intrigued by the mysteries of adult life. Endure the momentary obsessions while anticipating the coming joys of their growth.

3. Set Ground Rules: How Far is too Far?

Be upfront and specific with your child or tween on their Twilight obsession. If you have a daughter who can't stop dressing like Bella or a son who enjoys putting on white body make-up to resemble a vampire (you laugh, but this is for real, people), gently but firmly inform him/her you are no longer allowing such behavior.

4. If necessary, remove said clothing, make-up, accessories, etc. from his/her room-by any means necessary.

This is a simple matter of obedience to one's parents. If your child's behavior worries you or causes you to be uncomfortable, work to change it in moderation. Inform them that there is nothing wrong with watching Twilight or reading a Twilight novel. However, using a fingernail filer to grind and shape one's teeth to resemble vampire fangs is taking things a little too far (stop laughing, these things are really happening and it's tearing entire families to shreds).

5. Limit Your Child's Time with Twilight-Obsessed Friends

Younger children tend to emulate the behavior of their closest friends for fear of not being accepted, particularly in group settings. A Twilight-addiction is no different. If you have reason to suspect your child or teen is being greatly influenced by his/her peers, limit their time together. This can be accomplished via several methods (i.e. setting curfews, limiting specific activities, etc.)

6. Avoid Phrases Such as "I don't care" and "Because I said so"

Although, as the parents, you are certainly the primary authority in your child's life, and therefore entitled to and demanding of their respective obedience, the aforementioned phrases often instigate further tension and arguments. Instead of shutting your child's discussion down completely, gently and subtlety change the course of the conversation to another topic, particularly a subject your child is passionate about.

7. Talk to Your Kids about the Things you were Interested in when you were Young

It may help your child if they know you can identify with being passionate about a particular movie or other cultural phenomenon. Tell them about your favorite band or actor during your teen or college years. Share stories about how that music or actor impacted you and the era. If your child comes to realize you both share similar passions, it may help to ease and potentially reverse some addictive behaviors.

8. Set Location Rules for Twilight Parties

As countless children and teens continue to hold their own Twilight movie nights and book-reading pajama parties, parents are often forced to host said gatherings. This is particularly true in the cases of younger children, as they are not yet able to drive. Firmly inform your child you will no longer be allowing any friends over for Twilight-related group activities. If they desire to attend such events, they will need to do so at a friend's home, instead of yours.

Whether you ultimately come to accept the complex obsessions of your Twilight-addicted teen or not, following the aforementioned tips may ease the tension between yourself and your child. And if your child begins hunting bears like Edward Cullen, it's time to call the therapist.