In honor of the new Star Wars movie that opened yesterday, here are some memorable quotes from the characters over the years (with little nuggets of parenting wisdom thrown in).
"Truly wonderful the mind of a child is." YODA, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Let's not lose sight of how remarkable and unique our kids are, and how much they learn and grow each day (especially when we find ourselves focused only on the things that are not working so well for them.)
"Women always figure out the truth. Always." HAN SOLO, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Read "Moms always..." Enough said.
"You know what I always say... speak softly, and drive a big tank." HONDO OHNAKA, "Bounty Hunters", Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Next time you are at the point of yelling, don't. Let an appropriate consequence delivered in a matter of fact tone do the talking for you. More effective, Less Drama.
“You can’t stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting.” — Shmi Skywalker
Just when you think you have it figured out, they change on you or life throws you a curve ball:-)
"Always in motion is the future." YODA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Where your child is right now is where he is right now. It does not really tell us how far he will go or how fast he will get there. All we can do is influence the trajectory of his future the best we can.
"To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night."
YODA, Dark Rendezvous
We do not always choose our circumstances in life, but we can choose how we respond to it - - what we think and what we do. Choose wisely.
"No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." YODA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Don't just think about it, take action toward your goals. Get help. Make the change.
"If we can make it to the ground, we'll take the next chance. And the next. On and on until we win ... or the chances are spent." JYN ERSO, Rogue One
Hang in there, you got this! Resilience is your superpower as a parent.
"Some day you're gonna be wrong, I just hope I'm there to see it." PRINCESS LEIA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
For those, "just wait till you have kids" moments:-)
"The Force will be with you ... always." OBI-WAN KENOBI, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
We are each of us resourceful, creative and whole. Let's not forget that.
May the Force be with you!