The director of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief, Chris Columbus claims it was his own kids that got him up to speed on family movies, but not for the reasons you might think.

It was only after spending endless hours in theaters with his brood that he realized someone…anyone needed to find a way to make films entertaining for adults and children alike.

And with movies like Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire and Harry Potter to his credit, it appears he mastered his technique.

Click onto media bar for Chris Columbus’ inspiration for family friendly films.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief opens this Friday.