I always feel like I am going to forget little sweet moments that happen in my everyday life. I wish I had more time to write things down. I guess that is what prompted this post.
Last week, I purchased the movie, "The Princess Bride" while on my regular Target shopping trip. It was only $5, and it's a classic that we desperately needed to add to our movie library. I grew up with it being an all time favorite family movie (not realizing how corny and fun it really was until much later). Then, a few years ago, I read a book on parenting boys. In one of the chapters, it had a list of movies they were recommending to watch with your boys... among the list was "The Princess Bride."
On a regular basis, I am pretty strict when it comes to what I let my children watch. I knew eventually I wanted all of the kids to watch this movie I had grown to love, but when was the right time? How old is old enough for sword fighting, death, and true love? We decided this would be a good movie for Elijah who just turned seven, but Owen, our four year old, would not be allowed to watch it just yet.
I was still a little questionable, thinking about the content of the movie... Elijah has really only seen cartoon/kid movies - all rated G. However, the parenting book I had read said watching good movies together and talking about the themes and ideas presented with your child, allows them to begin to connect his inside world with his outside world. I had never really thought about it that way before. I was always very aware of the content and watched for reactions and we'd talk about themes in the movie, but this idea of helping him to take steps to understanding the world... well that seems pretty big.
Other good movies recommended were:
The Adventures of Robin Hood
The Wizard of Oz (which he has seen)
Old Yeller
The Miracle on 34th Street
Stagecoach
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Lion King
Babe
The Iron Giant
These were recommended specifically for boys, but of course are great for any child.
They all have a certain theme of good vs. evil, fighting for what is right, and lots of adventure, which kids are fascinated with.
Knowing all of this ahead of time, I was anxious to see Elijah's reactions to "The Princess Bride," but first we needed the unique opportunity to watch it alone with him. This opportunity came unexpectantly last Tuesday night.
We were at the dinner table and Owen refused to eat his food. (this is somewhat typical, but he is required to take at least 4 "thankful" bites, which he was having a very hard time with). Martin realized he was being more difficult than usual, but neither of us caught it was due to being overtired... until about five minutes later. We looked over and Owen had actually fallen asleep with his arms folded and his head tucked in them right on the table!
Martin carried him to bed, we cleaned up, and there was an opportunity to watch a movie with just Elijah awake!
The special scenario made the movie more exciting and enjoyable for Elijah, I think. It's not often he gets to stay up late and also have both of his parents to hang out with.
He watched the entire movie with such intensity, it kind of caught me off guard. He paid attention to every detail. (I do have to admit, there was one section where I pushed the mute button. Since I can pretty much quote the entire thing, I remembered the one swear word just in time... he didn't really need to hear that part right?)
My favorite thing about the whole night was at the end of the movie when they are all four riding away on white horses, Elijah smiled and said, "I'm glad she gets to ride horses again, because that's her favorite thing to do."
He said that was his favorite part about the whole movie- the girl getting to enjoy her favorite past time. Oh, my sweet boy! i just love him! I thought he might say the sword fighting or something else, but no, he was glad for the girl getting to enjoy riding horses!
I'm looking forward to many more memorable movie nights with these wonderful boys of mine. And soon they will all be old enough to enjoy the classics!
P.S I just heard that "The Princess Bride" is being made into a Broadway Show! wow... Inconceivable!
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