For those of us who were lucky to grow up watching Star Wars movies. Our parenting days to further Jedi Order disciplines have arrived. It is time to implement the lessons the iconic pop culture has taught us.
Unsolicited parenting tips are everywhere. Rightfully, parents are conscious of what to take. I have personally loved Star Wars since its initial release in 1977. The family dynamics have called out to me. Past the dark corners of the galaxy are lessons that can be seen in a positive light.
Raising kids is no easy feat. The little Ewoks love to stir trouble at every opportunity. A good Star Wars lightsaber sale is no longer enough to satiate the jedi younglings.
Believe it or not, Star Wars has given me an upper parenting hand. How? Read on!
Only A Sith Deals In Absolutes -Obi-Wan Kenobi
Being a parent requires a lot of patience and commitment. There is no room to be mad, even though you want to scream the house down.
Obi-Wan Kenobi has taught me plenty in this regard. Anakin Skywalker is like my little devil. Parenting Anakin was not easy yet Obi-Wan was constant in his teachings about wisdom and harmony. Time and time again Anakin challenged Obi-Wan with defiance and never-ending questions.
Despite all the teaching and mentoring Anakin was compelled by the dark side and resonated with it. In such situations of disobedience and discord. As a parent, I have to think reasonably and through the minds of my young ones. So I come up with creative tricks that humble the kids.
Do or Do Not, There Is No Try -Yoda
When your children are struggling, the parental instinct is to instantly help them sort out the matter.
Similarly, supporting the interests of your children makes sure they epically land their dreams. Luke Skywalker was a skilled farmer thanks to his uncle’s training. Yet, he yearned for something greater. He knew he could do better. With the help of Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi Luke unlocked his Jedi potential.
He became a great Jedi knight with a much-required push and guidance. Strong enough to battle his father, unknowingly. My youngest has shown me how far a little push can go, for the kids to complete their tasks fittingly!
Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi -Luke Skywalker
I have noticed that parents are too conscious about making the right decisions, that it ends in doing the opposite. It is okay to fail and learn from mistakes. The same lesson I pass on to my kids. Star Wars has illustrated the Skywalker family dynamics wonderfully. It was far from a perfect family.
A deadbeat father that was absent from the children’s lives. Another rebellious kid, Ben Solo, reverted from the teaching of his parents. Luke and Leia almost went incest. Even then we see the families trying to save the black sheep.
If you are scared that something might go wrong. Kids will be kids. You have to let them make mistakes as long as they learn a valuable lesson.
Negotiation? We’ve lost all communication -Qui-Gon Jinn
Negotiating with kids can go wrong in a million ways. The little thorns know how to bend words and get away with doe eyes. They are good at it.
That is why I am against negotiating with my kids. It never ends peacefully. There is a perfect example in Star Wars. Leia Organa tries to negotiate with her father Darth Vader to save Alderaan. Only it was inevitably destroyed. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn failed to resolve the Trade Federation dispute with Naboo. What happened? The biggest space villain, Darth Sidious, was born.
I will not fight you, Father -Luke Skywalker
The last lesson is the biggest treasure Star Wars has passed onto parenthood. We are passionate when young but parenthood humbles us faster. Master Yoda and Qui Gon Jinn gave impressionable advice for not just entertainment. Now I realize how much of a hot take they are in real life. Forgiveness is an absolute test for any parent. Whether your kids are young or grown adults, talking about matters and seeking out help is the right decision.
Luke Skywalker, despite all odds, was determined to bring his father to the light side. His fire to bring redemption burned hot. Ultimately he succeeded, and Anakin restored the balance. This shows us parents, a great deal of love and forgiveness. We have to be able to look past the shortcomings of our kids!
Finally
Parenting is harder than any of us imagined. With every step in our kids’ lives, we are constantly learning new things. Star Wars taught me a lot, and now I cannot wait for my kids to grow up watching the same series through creative and fresh minds.
Forgiveness, patience, determination, and confidence are some of the many lessons Master Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Mace Windu taught us. It takes a Galaxy to raise a child. Fear not, with an amazing space odyssey to guide, you will raise strong Jedi Warriors!
