In The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Memphis society woman whose decision to bring a homeless teenager into her home on a cold, rainy night is a transformative event. Based on a true story, the film traces the journey of an over-sized and neglected kid as he becomes one of the most stalwart linemen in the NFL today. Michael Oher survived a terrible childhood, learned to be a student and an athlete under Tuohy's steel magnolia tutelage, was recruited to college in the flurry of a national spotlight and currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Everyone over ten will love The Blind Side (currently in theaters) which is the perfect holiday film -- and not just because of Bullock's knock-out performance. Kids giggle at the the comedic antics of Michael's adopted brother SJ, teens relish the cameos by college football coaches and parents appreciate that the popular film offers a meaty subject to discuss around the Thanksgiving table: race and poverty in America. The sad fact is that not every foster child's story ends as nicely as Michael's. Since charitable donations go down during a recession, it's more important than ever to reach out to those in need this year, so grab the kids and do some volunteering this week. Leigh Ann says it best when she tells her husband how happy her commitment to the boy has made her. It feels good to help others... all year long.Click here for our advice on the film's Red Flags and for links to our past Thanksgiving posts about how to teach children about values while you teach them about money.
