The timeless tale of someone trying to save their family or children. Fast X with Vin Diesel and company and Mother, starring Jennifer Lopez. Both contain the ingredients of a story line that dates back a long time. Furthermore, a story line that viewers can connect with.
Today we aren’t going to discuss the finer parts of story and what makes a movie stand out. In a movie or any good story, there’s a certain formula that must be followed in order for it to work. To determine its success, movies have to first grab our attention and hold it for the length of the move. This may be 90 minutes or more.
As parents life is not a movie. Parenting is not a story line; it’s a job. A hard one. In 90 minutes you most likely won’t save the day as a parent. Rather, hoping the behavior of your three year old improves. However, there is something about the heroism displayed by parents in movies, that speaks to something larger. Whether its Fast X, Mother, or Taken.
What is it you ask?
A burning reason to do something. Your child or children light a fire under you. In these movies extreme measures are taken to save the child. Their life is in jeopardy. Now, today or ever, I hope you never have to face a child abduction or experience anything tragic with them.
All things being normal, you too have a chance to save the life of your kids. With no audience. Without a production studio or blockbuster movie. Each day you can decide to save your kids. How? Be an example. To be their hero.
You can save your children by the example you set. Not the words you use. Parents all over will say to their children, follow your dreams. If you can dream it you can achieve it. Hard work pays off. You can be anything or do anything you want. You’re so special. The cliches can continue. The example that must be set are parents doing what they tell their kids to do.
How can you expect your children to follow their dreams when they see their parents not following their own? Your children will not work hard if you don’t.
It’s child neglect when a parent decides to not follow their dreams. Working a job they hate for the benefits. Not starting that side business because it seems complicated. Your actions speak louder than your words. Your children are watching. You are their movie. And what they see might not be as inspiring as the blanket cliches you throw at them.
Be a parent of action. Don’t just talk about living a good life, embody it. Don’t just talk about your children becoming anything or anyone they want. Show them how. Show them that you can too. Lead the way. Yes, you may not be saving them from the evil villain or the burning building. However, the work you do in front of them each day will save them. How you stand up for yourself to a jerk of a boss. How you do not let your partner insult you. How you give openly to those in need. The way you treat people you don’t know. Your dedication to your work and more importantly, the dedication to your family. Waking up early to bake while also working full-time. Getting up early to work on your paper for your masters. Working on your art or book while you also work full-time.
As you read you may not have children. However, some day you might. And with that you have a head start on what it takes to be an effective parent. Your example. How you live your life, each day. If you have decided that you never want children, well what about your nieces and nephews? Or the young intern that started in your company. Or the young teen behind you in line to get coffee. Someone is always watching.
“Don’t worry that your children never listen, worry that they are always watching.” - Robert Fulghum.
Thought Provoking Question 1 : What bad example are you setting for your children?
Thought Provoking Question 2 : What example are you most proud of?
Thought Provoking Question 3 : How can you be their hero?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on sharing wisdom and asking though-provoking questions.
What are your thoughts on this piece? Comment below…
I am proud that I can show my children to be kind and not judge. I am most proud to show my children imperfection and being able to say I'm sorry when they mess up and it's ok.