Like It or Not: The Things Happen
This past Tuesday I sat in the library at the elementary school alongside several other mothers and fathers of sixth graders. It was the annual Health and Human Development presentation put together by the principal, school counselor and nurse. Unlike other parts of the school curriculum, this is one lesson that is presented to the 4th, 5th and 6th grade parents before the kids see it. It’s addresses the uncontrollable changes that are occurring: one of the milestones in life that we all experience – adolescence.
It’s one of many milestones. Some are celebrated, others just experienced quietly without mention. Have you ever stopped to think about how many milestones every person has in their lifetime? Some are more meaningful than others, but they all have a huge significance at the time.
As I look back on my life, I think about the things that really made a difference. All the rejections and the accomplishments. When I met my husband, got engaged and married. When we tried to buy our first home but the offer didn’t go through. When we decided to start a family but discovered that it might not happen. All the times we have decided to move or change jobs. It all mattered then and it still matters now. It has made me who I am.
Then I look at my kids and I think about all their milestones. Miss M didn’t know what to make of the little person who started hogging her dad’s attention on that fateful day. They grow up so quickly. They get their first tooth. They lose their first tooth. They start school and have new hobbies and activities.
Milestones aren’t just for kids, either. As they continue to grow, not only are they experiencing milestones but so are we. As an example, last year they went snorkeling for the first time at the first port on their first cruise. Guess what… it was MY first cruise too! It was also my first time to a country (besides Mexico) that is south of the United States.
A child isn’t going to need to know how to prepare for losing a tooth in the physical sense but understanding what happens afterwards is just as important to a child. Did you know there are a lot of shows available on Netflix that deal with things that happen in life?
First move, new sibling, first date, changing schools, new job, getting engaged, getting married, having a baby… No matter the milestone, chances are there is a movie or TV show that can help someone relate.
Whether we look back and pay tribute to these life markers or not doesn’t matter… What does matter is being prepared for them. Movies and TV shows aren’t just for entertainment but they can also help us in other ways. Life lessons are everywhere.
How do you prepare for the milestones in your life?
That is very true. Some of our children’s milestones are ours, too. I had never put a thought on that. It makes me reminisce now.
Yeah! Movies and TV shows also teach us some pretty good lessons of life.Nice article.
I started having children at 20 so we shared A LOT of milestones together and when I think of all of those days I am thankful for every nano second of each one.. It’s interesting now to watch my children go thru their milestones, often times with *their* children..
Stopping by from Cast Off Blog Syndication – Happy Friday!
I actually remember having those sessions when I was young in school but there was no parental involvement at the time. I can imagine it’s a big milestone as my kids are still young.
My kids and I have gone through so many of our milestones together – so many things have happened that we have had to deal with together. It’s great to look back and recognize how much we’ve all grown.
What a great post! We usually prepare for family milestones by talking openly and honestly together. I agree that sometimes “entertainment” can be helpful too. Some people get life lessons best from stories, whether told, read, or watched.
I may need more coffee but off the top of my head I can’t think of any milestones that required preparation, aside from birthdays. I love when my son discovers a movie or tv show that we used to watch, it’s interesting to share that despite the generational and age difference.
I never really prepare for milestones-never did-Nor did my Mom ever prepare me for any of them either! I just kind of go with the flow-Que Sera Sera is my mantra I guess. And yes–that is from a movie I watched!
I’ve never prepared for milestones in my life. Perhaps if I had things would have turned out differently.
We always try to share milestones together with our children. Some TV shows can help teach and educate. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve prepared for milestones with books primarily. But I do not prepare for many – I just let things happen as they may and if the kids have questions I’m here for them.
Watching some of these shows will give you helpful ideas….thanks for sharing!
I have to agree with you! This is really a great viewpoint and I like it. TV and movies can also be useful tools with our kids and their milestones! Love this!
I don’t watch many movies but when I do, I find that I can relate to the characters really well.
I don’t think you can ever fully prepare for those things. What will come, will come… like me watching Netflix later.
I agree, Movies such as Disney is a perfect fit for kids.
I love thinking back on the milestones my kids and i have accomplished! i’m not really sure how i prepared for most of them – haha – but we’ve made it through wonderfully so far! Nice post 🙂