Parenting Lessons from Christopher Robin The Movie

Pooh is one of my little Queen B's favorite book characters. No wonder as she had been hearing about him since she was still in my womb as her very first two books were Winnie-the-Pooh books which J and I read aloud to her as often as we can. We now have a collection of the original stories by A.A.Milne and every time we read it, I am reminded why people all over the world and across generations love that silly old bear. 

The tales of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and of course, Christopher Robin are more than entertaining stories for children. They are also full of valuable lessons which we, adults, can and should also apply to our lives. The latest film about these lovable characters is so like the original stories. There is a fun adventure coupled with heartfelt moments and peppered along the way are the nuggets of wisdom about parenting and life in general. 

So today let me share with you three parenting lessons from Christopher Robin The Movie. For those who haven't seen the film, some scenes will be described below so *spoiler alert*. 

1. Playing is as important as school work. 

In the film, while visiting their cottage for the weekend, Evelyn (Christopher Robin's wife played by Hayley Atwell) told their daughter Madeline (played by Bronte Carmichael) that she has the whole day to herself to enjoy in which she is not required to do activities related to school. Madeline asked her mom, "What will she do?" to which Evelyn replied, "Play." Based on previous scenes, it can be assumed that it is something she rarely gets to do as she is always busy with school work. 

It is a sad fact that a lot of children nowadays do not get enough play time. They are carted off to schools and various classes as early as possible in hopes of gaining an advantage over their peers. I remember being so impressed by my Korean tutees when I learned that most of their waking hours are spent studying. I even tutor them during holidays. It is only when I become a parent that I have learned the importance of play in a child's life. 

Play aids in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of a child. It allows children to explore their world, practice adult roles like in pretend play, and gain confidence in their increasing mastery of things. Even Albert Einstein believed in the importance of play when he said, "Play is the highest form of research." 

And when experts say play, they mean real play and not those online or application games. I really like the Play For Real Movement in which children are encouraged to play using open-ended toys that allow them to be creative, imaginative, and inventive. Outdoor play is also vital. 

Application games are definitely a no-no for us especially with my little Queen B's young age so we invested in good-quality open-ended toys like wooden blocks, play dough, pretend kitchen toy, and musical instruments. This coming Christmas, we are planning to give her a Lego set. It is truly amazing to observe the pretend scenarios she comes up with these toys. I must admit, though, that we need to spend more time outdoors. Of course, with the rainy season happening now, we have no choice but to spend most of our day indoors. But it is my intention for us to do more outdoor play. 

2. Make an effort to really get to know your children. 

One of the film's sad moments is when Madeline requested her Daddy, Christopher Robin (played by Ewan McGregor), to read aloud to her. Christopher Robin immediately picked up a book which sounds like a school book. Madeline wanted him to read a different book, a novel actually, but Christopher didn't even notice her disappointment as he mindlessly read. Madeline has to feign tiredness so he will stop but Christopher saw that she turned on her light again when he was out of her room. 

Our children are unique individuals. Each of them has their own set of interests, dislikes, habits, and quirks. They may be similar to us, their parents, or entirely different. It is our responsibility to know them as who they really are and not just assume what is best for them. So let us make a real effort to know our children by observing and talking to them. 

During dinner or bedtime, asks about their day, what they did, what they like about today. When you are with them, take notice of the things or persons that catch their attention and curiosity. Show real interest in their hobbies. And this is a continuous process because as they grow and their world expands so does their interests. 

Currently, I am reading two books that can help me get to know my little Queen B. One, is Born To Fly by Thom Black and the other is the Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, though, as my daughter is only three her primary love language and wing shape are still not that evidently defined. So for now, we continuously observe her and store stories of her which hopefully, later on, will guide us. 

3. Spend quality and quantity time with your children. 

Like most parents, Christopher Robin wants what is best for his child and her future so he works really hard. Sadly, he works so hard that he no longer spend time with his family. In the film, they were supposed to go to the cottage where he spends his childhood for the weekend but he decided to go to work to come up with a solution to a problem the luggage company he works for is facing. His wife and Madeline went ahead without him, much to their disappointment as they have been planning for this getaway for a long time and it seems they rarely get to be together as a whole family. 

There is nothing wrong in working hard for our family, in fact, as parents, it is our responsibility to provide for our children, clothe them, dress them, and give them a good education to the best of our abilities. But this should not greatly affect our time spent with them having fun, knowing them, teaching them, guiding them or just simply being with them. 

While writing this, I received news that my cousin died from a heart attack leaving two daughters who are both younger than my little Queen B. Life is uncertain so we should take advantage of the time we have with our loved ones especially our children as we don't know when we will be parted from them. Spend as much time with them as possible making happy memories. Both quality and quantity count with our children.

Even though I am a stay-at-home mom and is with my daughter 24/7, I am still guilty of zoning out more than I should. I am there physically but my mind is elsewhere. The film reminded me to be intentional about being truly present with my child. Of course, this should be balanced by my need for me-time. As for J, he makes it a point to have play time with our little Queen B at least once a day either before going to sleep (he is back to the night shift at work) or before going to work while during weekends, he is her constant companion and playmate (and I get to rest a bit). 

  

The film ends with Christopher Robin learning all of these lessons with the help, of course, of silly old Pooh. Christopher with his family then spend a day with Pooh and friends at the Hundred Acre Wood doing nothing because as Pooh in all his simplemindedness said, "Doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something." 

Our children will enjoy traveling, having lots of toys, and other things money can buy but what they crave the most is our presence in their lives. So be present, be intentional in your parenting. 

Yours, 
Lady