So I did it again. What exactly did I do? I went to see another “kids” movie. This time I went to see “Muppets Most Wanted”.

Why did I do it? That’s a silly question. I did it for you of course. I threw caution and better judgment to the wind. I risked great personal embarrassment. Let me not even mention how I jeopardized having my man card revoked. I did it all so that I could be the forty something guy watching a “kids” movie – just for you.

Like A Good Neighbor

There’s really no need to thank me. In case you hadn’t noticed, when it comes to seeing “kids” movies that you are afraid to see alone, I’ll do it for you.

I know, I know – you want to applaud and reward me but it’s not necessary. I’m just that kind of guy. Besides, I do it gladly hoping that my sacrifice might benefit you and your kids. When it comes to insuring relationships between parents and children I’m like State Farm. Like a good neighbor – Supaman’s dad is there with a “kids” movie review!

That’s What Friends Are For

For you the world! And going to see “Muppets Most Wanted” was my small contribution to the universe. Seeing the movie was proof of my great compassion and commitment to being a good citizen. But enough about me and my magnanimous spirit and loyalty as a friend.

Speaking of friendship, “Muppets Most Wanted” provides several opportunities for parents to be able to discuss with our children what it means to be a friend and what it means to have a friend. This is of great importance as too often friendship is misunderstood, devalued and taken for granted.

Like most Muppet movies, “Muppets Most Wanted” has its fair share of celebrity appearances, memorable songs, and clever gags. “Muppets Most Wanted” has all the elements that have made Muppets movies stand the test of time including those outlandish proclamations from Ms. Piggy’s about her love for Kermit.

In addition to Miss Piggy’s proclamations of affection for Kermit, “Muppets Most Wanted” provides children with three easy to remember standards about friendship.

1.  Friends tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. Friends are concerned with keeping you safe and saving you from yourself (ego). Friends neither instruct nor encourage you to do things that aren’t in your best interest or that have the potential to cause harm.

If the Muppets only understood this edict at the beginning of the movie, the movie might have lasted 7 rather than 107 minutes. Nonetheless, the movie lasted 107 minutes and it appears that the best lessons remain those learned from experience. In this case, after 100 additional minutes of cinematic viewing pleasure.

2.  Friends can tell when you aren’t yourself. In an attempt not to give away any substantive elements of the movie, I can say that friends know you. Friends know you so well that they can detect when you aren’t yourself even when you look like yourself. Friends can tell when you aren’t right. You can’t fool a friend or as is the case in the movie – you can’t fool a Muppet.

When things are good a friend knows and celebrates with you. When things are bad a friend knows and not only do they encourage you about better times on the horizon – a friend helps you design and execute a plan to change your perspective.

3.  Friends will follow and support you even in the worst of times. It is worth mentioning that a friend’s eagerness and energy to follow and support you is greatly enhanced if you are not the responsible party for those challenging moments. In short, pulling a friend out of a ditch is less draining when your friend doesn’t moonlight as a ditch digger.

As the movie elucidates friends will sacrifice themselves for their friends. Friends will freely set aside their personal agendas when they are needed. Friends will not allow friends to endure hardship alone.

Now Who’s Ready To Be A Friend?

In case you are concerned, in the end, everything works out for the Muppets as it always does. The “Muppets Most Wanted” displays that those who count on friends have the reciprocal responsibility to show themselves as a friend. Yet again, the Muppets illustrate for children and parents alike that the word friend is a verb and not a noun.

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to see the next Muppet movie. As much as I’m excited about making another personal sacrifice for you, I’m mostly excited about watching a movie with characters who appreciate the value and understand the importance of friendship.

Don’t be scared go see the movie alone or with your children. The Muppets are a great reminder that a friend does more than be. A friend acts. A friend performs like a Muppet.

Does your child understand the importance of friendship? Can your child differentiate between a friend and an acquaintance?