Chrissa Stands Strong: Review

I am not usually one to make a full 100% support of a film and even when I am, I will let you know what concerns I have for it as well. First and foremost Chrissa, a ten year old girl, attends a public school and the topic of homeschooling does come up, although is not pursued which is a disappointment. I feel it would be beneficial for American Girl to incorporate a homeschool girl into their cast of characters and dolls for the 21st Century.

I believe that 21st Century homeschool girls do face challenges for their family’s decision to home educate and I feel it would behoove AG to look into another American Girl who lives the homeschooling lifestyle.

Now although Chrissa goes to public school, I feel her experiences with the girls in her school is a socially educational study, because I have seen plenty of the same struggles within many different girl groups, including among adults in most ‘churches’. I don’t mean that as a knock against people, but the study of group dynamics crosses many social circles.

Years ago I read a book that covers this very topic and found there are many books and websites available for resources to parents and girls about how to deal with the drama that surrounds that passage of life. Keywords for adults for searching are: school bullies, mean girls, queen bees, teen group dynamics, Rosalind Wiseman.

In Chrissa Stands Strong we see a short story about a girl who moves to a new town and struggles with making new friends. The popular girls, the Mean Bees, in school seems to be bold and sure of themselves, but their subtle manipulation puts Chrissa in a paralyzed state of confusion.

A word of caution about this film; the Mean Bees are mean, really mean. I Gasped many times during this movie and was even moved to tears at times. I grew up in a public school and my girls in a Christian School and I can tell you from experience that Mean Bees from all over the world know how to perfect their craft. This is what is so startling to so many parents. This craftiness by Mean Bees is dangerous and must be dealt with.

Chrissa needs to make a decision about whether or not to tattle on these girls, or is it called standing up for yourself? No one wants to be labeled a tattle tale. I believe every young girl should be counseled by their parents on exactly how to handle situations like this. By the time you reach the conclusion of this film, take some time to discuss the story with your children. This AG film just barely touches the hem of the garment of how dangerous this issue is today.

If you decide to see this film, you may want to pause it after each scene and discuss the trials Chrissa is facing.

Some questions to consider:

How would you feel if….. happened to you?
How would you make a friend in a new situation?
What would you do if you saw girls treat others like that?
Would you know what to say?
Are you afraid of telling sometimes?
What kind of fears do you think Chrissa had in coming forward for help?
How much worse do you think it could get if she never told anyone?

This review is meant simply to give you some basic information about the film and the content thereof. If you are sensitive about bathing suits, Chrissa is on a swim team, but these girls are far too young to show any neckline issues. There is no bad language or romance involved. This story is just one of many reasons why our family chooses to homeschool. Keep in mind that this kind of bullying is not just in social circles in real life, but in virtual life as well. Cyber bullying is included in this film and should be researched in depth by any parent who allows their child to be a part of social network groups, message board forums, and blogging.

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.