Hey friends! You know how much I love sharing life lessons with my kids, and I recently decided to introduce them to the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien through the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ movies. We spent an entire weekend diving into the Hobbit trilogy and followed it up with the Lord of the Rings trilogy the next week. My kiddos are 8 and 10 years old, and while some might say they’re too young for this epic journey, I totally disagree.
Growing up, I was a latchkey kid glued to the TV for hours, and it didn’t turn me into a couch potato. Instead, it sparked my imagination! So, we cozied up for a whopping 1,032 minutes of thrilling adventure together. I paused the films now and then to check if they were following along, and they had their own questions, too. We held hands during the sad parts, cheered during the triumphs, and laughed at the antics of those hilarious dwarves. I wanted to make sure they caught the important life lessons woven throughout the story. Here are five gems they took away:
- Thinking of Others
Frodo Baggins, although a lover of peace and quiet, steps out of his comfort zone to help Gandalf and the dwarves reclaim their home. Teaching my kids empathy is super important to me, and this moment really hit home. - Bravery
Gandalf tells Galadriel that seeing Frodo’s courage makes him feel braver himself. My kids wanted me to explain this scene, and I shared that even the most powerful beings can draw strength from the bravery of those around them—it’s a reminder that inspiration can come from the unlikeliest sources. - Embracing Differences
Take Radagast the Brown—quirky, with a wild look, yet his kindness makes him a treasured ally. I hope my kids learn to appreciate and accept everyone they meet, no matter how different they may seem. - Building Trust
Initially, Legolas and Gimli clash because of their past grievances, but they evolve into loyal friends who trust one another. I know my kids will face their own conflicts, and I hope they’ll give others a chance to prove themselves. - Never Giving Up
Characters like Sméagol and the duo of Sam and Frodo showcase that perseverance is key, even when the odds seem stacked against you. The kids observed how even the most flawed characters can strive for goodness, and that resonates with our own journeys.
In real life, I can preach to my kids until I’m blue in the face, but sometimes it’s best to let them learn through stories. Movies introduce new characters and situations that reflect their feelings and experiences, allowing them to engage and ask questions.
When we sit down together to watch films I adore, I see their minds turning as they process these lessons. They get to experience the highs and lows, and I’m right there beside them, ready to help if they need it. It’s a beautiful way for us to bond while they discover valuable insights about life.
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Summary:
Incorporating life lessons from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films into family movie nights provides a unique way for kids to explore empathy, bravery, acceptance, trust, and perseverance. Engaging with these stories together fosters deeper conversations and connections, allowing parents to teach valuable life lessons in a fun and memorable way.