I’m a big self help book reading, youtube watching, big dreams, leadership lessons kind of guy. Basically anything I can read, listen to or watch, I am all about. From the seven plus, 3 inch binders filled with a quote of the day, representing each and every day in my seventeen years of education, to a collection of well read books, I thrive on motivation and encouragement. With that I ask, “Are you familiar with Doc McStuffins?” “How about your knowledge of Sofia the First?” You may be thinking, what are you talking about at this point, which as adults, especially those that do not have younger children, I can perfectly understand. To help make sense for those that are not aware, these are children’s shows on the family of Disney Networks, certainly geared towards the primary level children. Each of these shows demonstrate different family structures, and teach valuable lessons. Although the lessons are obviously geared towards children, there is no shortage of learning for willing adults as well.
Being the father of two daughters, and thanks to our DVR, I have virtually seen every episode conservatively no less than five times. Once again, you may ask, what are you thinking, however I would recommend that if you are not familiar, do yourself and your family a huge favor, find these two shows and enjoy. At the very least, you could search on the internet or listen to the songs from the shows on CD. Doc McStuffins, with 26 songs, ringing in your ears, and Sophia the First with another 13, to go with two children singing along -- its thirty minutes is the perfect time for a short trip, yet placing emphasis on valuable lessons.
From one episode to another over the two plus week of holiday vacation, we used lessons that we had learned as constant reminders in our daily lives. It is amazing how as parents we were able to make references to the shows that related to a situation that came up in our home. And you know what may have been even more mind boggling, were the recollections and lessons our girls reminded us of. I mean come on, have any of you been corrected by your children in such a way, that was not disrespectful, and you knew they were right when they referenced a kid’s tv cartoon! In no shape or form am I advocating that we leave it up to tv shows or songs to raise our children, but by being in touch with our inner child, we often become better parents and role models.
From Doc McStuffins, we see a family as one in which her mother, a pediatrician, is the primary bread winner. We are able to see that her dad, is often the parent doing the carpooling, the breakfast and lunch making, the party planning etc. In today’s society, sometimes we as dads often take a backseat or defer to moms on these types of activities. What a great role model Doc’s dad serves, demonstrating that a real dad, makes time and is willing to take on these roles. In fact on the ALL PRO DAD blog, within the last week, articles were posted as to why every dad should have cooking skills, and to Be a Dad… Not Mom’s Assistant. Wow! Maybe they have been watching too! Furthermore, lessons reinforced range from eating the right foods, drinking more water, taking naps to brushing teeth and visiting the doctor. I can attest, there is probably not a better sight than seeing a four-year-old dressed in all her Doc gear asking you to be her patient. As a patient, you are thoroughly poked and prodded and then diagnosed in her own Big Book of Boo-Boo’s. The encouraging dreams of a future doctor are coming to life before our very eyes.
Within a matter of minutes, you can make the switch to Sofia the First with her lessons. We see a young girl, trying to fit in with her new family, as her mother has recently remarried. She has to deal with leaving the security of her home and friends to begin this new life. Just like our children as they grow, situations change and new challenges arise. The premise of encouraging children that they can accomplish anything they truly commit to, to listening and doing what others would like to do instead of always having your own way, to being a good sport and friend is at the heart of each show. But the catch is, as an adult there are as many lessons for us as there are for our children. Yes, kids make mistakes, and something I have tried to always remember, it is ok to be angry, mad or upset as these are natural emotions. However, it is how you react, respond and carry yourself during these times that possess the keen ability to make or break our families. Yes, watching how King Roland, Sofia’s stepfather, handles a situation when her step-brother disobeys him, and she makes an attempt to cover for her sibling because she knows that if he is punished he will not get to do something he really wanted to do teaches adults. In retrospect, the King also realizes that the siblings demonstrate that they will always be there for each other. The lessons go on and on, episode after episode, song after song. In the end, both of these programs demonstrate lessons that can be summed up in six words: I will not let you down.
As adults we often hear that we are out of touch with future generations, that we don’t understand. Well, I would disagree. I think we can meet our kids at their level, we need to be interested in what they are learning and from who. Often we may seem to harp, much like our parents before us, but we all want what is the very best for our children. We are certainly facing a society that is busier than ever. All of these challenges we face are all important and that we battle through these with our children. I have always found it great to hear it from a different voice, because after awhile our pleas fall upon deaf ears. To quote Doc, “I have a diagnosis”, and reinforced by Sofia, "Anything can be if you try hard enough", I encourage all to take the time to watch an episode or two, or at the very least, download the songs and make all your dreams come true.
Monthly Challenge: Take the opportunity to view and episode of either Doc McStuffins or Sofia the First. After watching, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts and then discuss what lessons you learned, and how you can apply them to your own family. My guess is that after doing this once, you will want to repeat with future episodes.
Monthly Quote: “Don’t think the worst. Don’t fear a thing. You'll get through it if you try.” –Doc McStuffins
