The other afternoon my son and I went to see Mr. Peabody & Sherman. A more apt description might be that I drug my son, kicking and screaming and twisting his arm to the theater.
Time Is Running Out
Fairly certain that seeing an animated movie with his old man was not high on my son’s to do list, he indulged me nonetheless. I’m sure that I have mentioned it a time or two but I remain a fan of animated movies. Not only is my son keenly aware of my affinity for animated movies but he understands how important it is to me that we take advantage of every second we have together on this journey called life.
No doubt ingrained in his head when I asked him if he would like to see the “kids movie” was the mantra “tomorrow is not promised and that we have to live and love in the moment”. So armed with a bucket of unhealthy overpriced popcorn and an environmentally threatening extortionately priced bottle of water, he was persuaded to join me.
We sat in the most secluded spot in the theatre. I would tell you where that spot is but I don’t need you looking for me when the next animated movie hits the silver screen. Besides, I promised my son that I would keep the location of our reclusive seating a secret. Although willing to indulge his old man, he is not as eager to have his peers know that he was at a “kid’s movie” and risk the loss of his cool points.
Take-Aways
Like most animated movies, there were the usual assortment of jokes that small children will not get, there was the simple dialogue (after all it is a children’s movie) and there was the predictable conclusion (boy messes up and the parent comes to the rescue). However, there were a few other notable themes I think all parents should take note.
1. Children reduce extraordinary, talented and accomplished people to mediocre parents. Mr. Peabody was not only a talking dog but he was one of the most intelligent life forms on the planet. Yet even the talented Mr. Peabody was ill-equipped to be a parent.
Too often professional accomplishment and material accumulation is confused with parental success. Being a world-renowned attorney, athlete, doctor, entrepreneur or scientist does not make you a great parent. Parenting requires the same time, effort and energy commitment as do our chosen vocations.
“Parenting is a profession.”
Children – that is before we turn them into corrupted and contemptible capitalists – don’t care about our degrees, titles or possessions. Children simply want our time and attention. Children just want to be loved.
2. Share experiences with children not things. Mr. Peabody was highly accomplished. He was Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a world-renowned explorer, and an Olympic gold medalist. However, the smartest thing Mr. Peabody ever did was invent the WABAC machine. The WABAC machine wasn’t great because it transported Mr. Peabody and Sherman back in time to visit important historical events. Although being able to go back and see history first hand as it unfolded would be exceptionally cool.
The WABAC machine was great because it was the catalyst for Mr. Peabody and Sherman to do what parents and children need more than anything – to spend uninterrupted distraction free time experiencing life together. While the rest of America’s parents are spending twenty-three or more hours isolated on their electronic devices ignoring their children, Mr. Peabody and Sherman are using the WABAC machine to spend quality and quantity time developing and deepening their dog and a boy – Pea dada and son relationship.
3. Give your child a dog whistle. On the ride to school, Mr. Peabody gave Sherman a series of instructions. The routine parenting dos and donts. However, before Sherman could run into the school, Mr. Peabody handed Sherman a dog whistle. Sherman looked quizzically at the whistle and then blew it a couple of times. Unable to hear the whistle, Sherman assumed that the whistle did not work. Holding his ears and frowning from the pain of the dog whistle’s frequency, Mr. Peabody’s actions and facial expressions assured Sherman that the dog whistle was in good working order.
Attempting to explain the value of the dog whistle before Sherman ran into the building, Mr. Peabody was only able to say “No matter how far away I might seem…” Although Sherman did not stick around to hear Mr. Peabody’s full explanation of the dog whistle I understood the incomplete reference.
The dog whistle was symbolic of a parent’s willingness to be present and accounted for at all times. The dog whistle is emblematic of the parent’s responsibility to stop what we are doing no matter where, no matter when, no matter how to come to the immediate aid of our children.
I Have A Fond Regard For You, Too
There are a few other wonderful take aways but I wouldn’t want to spoil the movie for you. Mr. Peabody & Sherman is only ninety-two minutes and I recommend that you make time to see it with your child regardless of their age.
And I don’t want to hear about you being so busy and not having time. We’ve already determined that you have well over twenty-three hours available this week so what’s ninety-two minutes especially when it’s spent with someone you hold in the words of Mr. Peabody in “fond regard”? Even if you aren’t fond of the movie, your child will love you for turning off your phone and making time for them.
What steps are you taking to advance your standing as a parent? What new experiences are you sharing with your children? Have you given your child a dog whistle?
Share your thoughts. Please like and share this article with others.
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