Let’s Leave the Wonder in Wonderful

I can still hear my youngest daughter, Emma, pretending to be Ariel while splashing around in the swimming pool or the bathtub. I can also still hear Elizabeth and Olivia pretending to be dalmatian puppies running for their lives from Cruella DeVille and sitting on the floor with them playing the “Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” board games. And not to be left out, Zach was quite the “Dark Wing Duck” fan, and to this day I cannot watch “Home Alone” without hearing him laughing hysterically at the pizza boy.

The reason I bring these memories to your attention is to help you recall the sense of wonder and imagination these movies bring to both your heart and mind. We know mermaids aren’t real, that fish don’t talk, and that Scuttle the sea gull might as well call a fork a dinglehopper, because in real life, he can’t call it anything at all. We also know puppies can’t come up with clever ways to disguise themselves, and that ducks don’t wear capes and perform heroic acts of bravery. Even the movies featuring real people back in the 90s let us use our imaginations in ways that made us laugh, smile, and just feel that childlike sense of wonder. See, you’re smiling now, just thinking about it, aren’t you? 😊

Not so much these days. The real-life versions of the wonder-filled movies are anything but wonder-filled. That’s right—I’m saying it. I’m saying the real-life versions don’t hold a candle to their predecessors.

Now before I tell you why I’m saying this and what I want you to take from it all, I want to also say this: I’m not being a ‘hater’ and I’m not saying these movies are ‘wrong’. I’m just not.

What I am saying, is this: the real-life remakes show a much, much darker, violent, and greedy view of the world. Instead of some cute little mice, a bunch of old hound dogs, or a scatterbrained sea gull putting the mean old lady in her place, or a handful of clumsy well-meaning soldiers helping Mulan save their country, we see…well, it’s not pretty.

Yes, I know real life isn’t always pretty. We're living one of the ugliest times in history right now! But we only have a handful of years to let our children revel in the joys, wonder, and innocence of make believe. And it is during those years that their creativity, imaginations, and curiosity are blooming and growing in ways that will later serve as the foundation for turning hopes and dreams into realities. But if their imaginations aren’t ignited, and if everything is presented to them in terms of the harsh realities of life, they aren’t going to dream. They aren’t going to imagine. They aren’t going to wonder. So, like I said, I’m not ‘hating’ on these movies—I’m just saying that there are plenty of harsh realities of the up-close-and-personal kind in life, so why not let your kids see the world through a softer lens for a while.

Love,

Momma D

                                      Copyright 2020 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.

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We're In This Thing Together

Twice a month I have the privilege of hanging out and mentoring a group of young mommas at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group held at our church. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I enjoy this, but I also want to say that for everything I hope I give to them, they give back even more. What I mean, is that talking with them, listening to them, and just watching them share their lives with each other is so special and a true blessing. It is also a reminder that we are all in this parenting thing together and that we need to be supporting and encouraging each other no matter how big or small the concern, situation, or victory is. For example…

At the start of each meeting the group leader always recognizes moms who have birthdays and anniversaries. But after that, she always invites the moms to share the not-so-little little things, and let me tell you, there are plenty. “Both the boys napped at the same time!” “We stayed dry for three consecutive days.” “I got the laundry washed, dried, and put away all in the same day.” “C_____ didn’t have a meltdown when she touched the wet grass.” “E________ and I got to go out on a date for the first time in nine months.” “I got two weeks of meal-prepping done.” “L_____ left her glasses on.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in those ‘places’, but not so long that I have forgotten how good those things felt. Sure I can smile and reassure them, because I know these struggles will pass.  And let me tell you, they are thankful (and relieved) when I do (reassure them). But here's what's really cool--the round of applause we give each of these young women after they share their news. Why, you ask, is this so 'cool'? Here's why: They need to know what they are doing matters. They need to know that all the sacrifices they are making now are worth it now AND in the long run. They need to know that their feelings matter and that they aren’t making a big deal out of nothing. They need to know that just because these things are all part of being a mom doesn’t make them any less praiseworthy. They need to know they aren’t alone and that they have a support system who really and truly ‘gets them’ now…where they are at…instead of just telling them to wait and it will be over sooner rather than later.

So listen up all you older parents, and by that, I mean parents of elementary kids, tweens, teens, and adults. Be a cheerleader. Be an encourager. Be present. Be understanding. Be an example. Be anything BUT condescending and dismissive. Think back. Remember when…. And always, ALWAYS remember that the encouragement and support we give young moms can make a HUGE impact on how they perceive themselves and how well they do their job. Remember: We’re all in this mom thing together, so let’s do it…together.

Love,

Momma D
                         Copyright 2020 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author. 
                                                                          For more information on Momma D, visit www.dnoblewrites.com