I knew the the time would come when I would need to introduce my kids to Star Wars. Honestly, I was really feeling guilty about the fact my kids were growing up in a world where Star Wars was just a type of Lego set, or “that really cool ride at Disneyland.” I hadn’t done my motherly duty. I had fears, you know, nightmares, that my boys were going to be introduced to the movies by the wrong kind of people. You know the kind. Those who would make them watch Episode I first, reveal Luke’s paternity early, or worse… lead them to believe that Jar Jar Binks is anything but the annoying mistake of a character he truly is.
I had put it off long enough. I needed to put aside my fear of doing it wrong, step up, and be the mom I knew I could be. I needed to remember Jedi Master Yoda’s words, “Do or do not… there is no try.” I had this. I had a plan:
First step: Locate the movies. Luckily, a friend was kind enough to let me borrow them. All of them. Yay! The boys were supposed to be in bed when my friend brought them over. Somehow they knew the greatness that was being delivered. It was like Christmas, and the boys wanted to start watching them right then. At nine at night. On a school night. I had to say no… but I didn’t want to.
Second step: Schedule the viewings. The timing was almost perfect. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the boys on Star Wars Day, you know, May the Fourth. (See how the Science Center of Iowa celebrates.) Fortunately, the day after the movies arrived was May 3rd. It had to be then. After a hearty meal of pizza, we settled in and cuddled up on the couch. I knew I needed to be close by in case they had questions. There are always questions. We, of course, started with Episode IV, A New Hope. My boys could hardly contain themselves, and frankly, neither could I. I knew their lives would be forever changed.
Third step: Discuss, learn, and make even more Star Wars plans. Over the course of the next few weeks I got to share in the joy of all the famous quotes, life lessons, discussing favorite characters, practicing using the force, and obsessions of all things Star Wars. I have to say, sharing this with my kids was everything I had hoped it would be and MORE. This is what life is supposed to be about, folks. Sharing with loved ones the epic struggle of good vs. evil the light vs. the dark side. Although I am not at liberty to divulge the future Star Wars plans I have with the boys, they will be great. You cannot imagine all the important discussions we have had since beginning our Star Wars education. I cannot urge you enough, don’t let another week pass without teaching your precious offspring all that is Star Wars.
Special thanks to Mr. Lucas for his creative genius, vision, and initiative in bringing the original trilogy to the big screen. You have enriched so many families’ lives with your gift that keeps on giving. If you read this and, you know, need a few extras for your new trilogy or something, I know my boys and I would be glad to help you out with that. Just sayin’.
If you need additional ideas on how to talk to your kids about Star Wars, please click here. And who can resist this little 3-year-old’s summary of A New Hope. It’s spot on.
My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this post. 🙂 He, too, at one time knew of Star Wars only what his Lego sets were teaching him, yet he talked about Star Wars as if he knew and understood it all. And I, knowing nothing of Star Wars (Legos or otherwise), came to the place that I knew we BOTH needed a Star Wars education. So, my hubby bought the series at Costco, we scheduled the family movie nights, and we connected over light sabers and speedors and storm troopers.
I have to admit, though, we watched the episodes in what you call the “wrong” order. Good thing I didn’t introduce your boys to Star Wars…. 😉
We made a family friendly Star Wars fan film. It’s a parody between Disney’s “The Parent Trap” and “Star Wars” called, “THE PADAWAN TRAP”. It’s a story about two girls, one a Jedi, and the other a Sith, who meet up at Jedi Training Girls Camp for the first time and discover that they are sisters. It has action and humor, and a unique story that is entertaining all around. Check it out if you get a chance: https://youtu.be/3OpyTfhoB70