I’ve enjoyed the “Star Wars” movies since I could hold my first lightsaber, er, stick. But, it wasn’t until later in life that I truly appreciated the parallels that “Star Wars” presents to my own life, particularly when it comes to parenting.
Here are just a few:
Trying to work from home while parenting:
The first (and last) time I let my toddler wipe himself without an adult helping him:
Me: "I can't understand you when you talk like that. Please use your words."
My kids:
Me, the fifth time I have to go into my kids' bedroom after tucking them in:
That moment I know all of my parenting mistakes haven't ruined my child's confidence:
Waking up and realizing my child has climbed into bed with me and peed:
Driving away with my wife after dropping the kids off with the grandparents:
When I realize my kids are playing in the other room a little too quietly:
Me: "Stop doing that. You’ll hurt yourself."
My kid:
When another parent says they are considering getting an Elf on the Shelf for their kid:
Wondering if my kid will avoid having a meltdown if I play it cool when he falls down:
When my kid tells me that he just remembered that he has an important school project due tomorrow morning as I tuck him into bed:
Stepping on Legos with bare feet:
How I felt when trying to get my kid into that fancy charter school with the lottery system:
When someone offers me unsolicited parenting advice:
The pep talk I give every time I ask my kids to clean their rooms:
When my wife mentions that the baby needs a diaper change:
When I see a car driving too fast down my street while my kids play outside:
Walking through the door after a long day and being greeted by my kids:
Note: I do not own the “Star Wars” franchise or any of these GIFs or their images, but I am pretty sure that parenting is as close as a person can get to possessing The Force. You can find the source at the links below.
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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2015, and updated in December 2019.