I’m just going to go ahead and put this out there that for the most part, Star Wars is a dad/son thing. I know; I’m cringing just writing that and am well aware that there are PLENTY of moms and daughters all about that galaxy far, far away {raises hand}.
So don’t throw the “Dark Side” label on me just yet.
I grew up with brothers that loved Star Wars and married a man who is, indeed, more excited for the release of the new movie than his sons. I played my fair share of pretending to be Princess Leia, but really, the Ewoks have always been my favorite. On a realistic note, baby dolls, Barbie, My Little Pony, and Rainbow Bright are my childhood loves.
Until I had children. Boys, to be exact.
And now that they are all about Star Wars {the number of light sabers housed in my walls is embarrassing}, and I’m ready to live my second “childhood” and experience that magic with them.
When I think about trying to raise three boys, I can’t help but think about Yoda saying, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” So let’s do this thing. Moms, we are not meant to be left out of world of Star Wars. Neither are our daughters.
Extra Workouts
After all, Jedis must train, and having light saber battles with your kids is a great way to sneak in an afternoon calorie burn. Stay inside or head outdoors for crouching, jumping, ducking, dodging fake blasts, and wielding your light saber. I’m certain your Fitbit will be in for a surprise!
Motivational Speech Material
Okay, so I can’t really tell my sons to “Use the Force” and expect them to ace a test without studying or miraculously dart past all opponents in a soccer match. But there’s something to that phrase from the wise old green fellow.
We all have it inside of us, this force. While it’s not quite the ability to move items with our minds or “Force push” something down, we have something within that wills us to work hard, achieve our dreams, and love others. It’s our quest in life to master it. Come on, it’s a good statement to have in your back pocket. Am I right?
Discipline Assistance
I can’t remember if I read it in one of our books or heard it on one of the movies, but true Jedis use the force for knowledge and defense and fight for the most noble causes. This statement is a parent’s dream! As in, “Don’t hit your brother!” Settled.
And further, the Jedi code helped to guide young Jedis to avoid giving in to anger.
There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.
I’m certainly going to use that to my advantage when guiding our own little “Padawans” in controlling their emotions.
Fountain of Youth
Sure, no one has found it, but playing with our kids sure does make me feel young at heart. And while I’m feeling so young, it’s also fun to come up with the number of tasks I can do using the Force. To date I’ve been able to channel my powers to know where to find lost toys, pack yummy lunches, and ensure a needed shirt is clean for the next day’s event.
Themed Halloween and Crafts Galore
Halloween is so much fun as it stands with the candy, costumes, and special parties. We had a blast roaming the neighborhood this year as a Star Wars family. I’m holding out hope that we can do this for at least a few years to come. There are plenty of characters and so many ways to DIY the costumes!
Speaking of DIY, the craft options are adorable! I got my creative juices flowing with these Star Wars party favors, and I’m currently pinning and planning these for this summer when we will have some down time for projects:
- I love a good toilet paper roll craft, and he loves a good X-Wing Fighter.
- All of us will have a fun time crafting our favorite droid.
- I’ve got this Yoda canvas pinned for their room.
- Summer time is perfect for having pool noodles around for easy {and safe} light sabers!
Belief in the Good
It’s become too trite to say, “Turn on the news, and you’ll see the devastation in our world.” I feel like we live in a world where sometimes devastation, fear, and darkness permeate our lives in ways that go beyond listening to the news. We can feel how troubled this place is. Yet, our eyes and our hearts are also well aware of the good. We know it’s there, and if we chose to believe in it, we rest easier, live more freely, and are more open to love others. Star Wars gives me that. A New Hope. Return of the Jedi. The Force Awakens.
Hope. Return. Awakens.
Whatever the “Dark Side” might be in our lives, there is hope. We can return. Our spirits can awaken. And it’s this struggle of good versus evil that becomes more than a series of movies for me, and my heart chooses light.
And just like that, we’re Star Wars moms. Now let’s go have some fun!