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11 Awesome Life Lessons for My Kids Inspired by ‘The Sandlot’
Ah, the nostalgia of childhood! I can’t help but wish our world had the same innocence as it did in The Sandlot. It was such a lovely snapshot of the 1960s—when kids rode their bikes to the pool, had sleepovers in treehouses, and played baseball all summer long just because they loved the game. I’d give anything to feel that peace of mind, knowing my son could call out, “I’m heading out to play ball, Mom!” without a worry until the sun sets.
Recently, we introduced The Sandlot to our kids, and let me tell you, they were hooked! They laughed, they cheered, and they’ve been asking for repeat viewings. While I won’t overload them with every life lesson hidden in the movie, here are some epic takeaways I hope they’re absorbing:
- Just Show Up and Give It a Go: When Benny Rodriguez graciously acknowledged Scotty Smalls with a nod, Smalls took a leap into a game he had never played before. It took guts to join in, but he did it anyway.
- Be Inclusive: After being teased, Smalls almost bailed on baseball, but Benny invited him back to play. Smalls later said, “Without Benny, I wouldn’t have made a single friend that summer.” A simple gesture of kindness can mean the world to someone new.
- Don’t Overthink It: Benny noticed Smalls was too caught up in his thoughts, which hindered his game. Once he relaxed and kept trying, he became part of the team. Remember, practice makes perfect—even if you start out as a bit of a dork.
- Dream Big: Squints had a crush on the lifeguard and, while his method of faking a drowning was questionable, it showed his belief in pursuing what he wanted—even if it was a bit out of reach at the time.
- Be There for Your Friends: When Smalls accidentally took a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, the gang rallied to help him get it back, facing fears and challenges together. That’s real friendship right there!
- Imagination is Key: With limited resources, the kids used their creativity to devise clever ways to retrieve the ball from the neighbor’s yard. Their teamwork was inspiring, even if Ham couldn’t pronounce “marshmallow” correctly!
- Chaw and Fair Rides Don’t Mix: A valuable lesson illustrated in the film—taking a chew before a spin on a ride will make you hurl. Kids, take note: it just doesn’t end well!
- Face Your Fears: Benny’s determination to retrieve the ball, even with the mythic “Beast” lurking, taught them that confronting your fears can lead to great rewards—like discovering that the terrifying beast is actually just a big softie.
- Things Aren’t Always What They Seem: When the boys met their neighbor while trying to return his dog, they expected a scolding but found a new friend who also loved baseball. Sometimes, a little courage leads to unexpected friendships.
- Own Your Mistakes: Smalls told his dad the truth about the baseball, and while he faced consequences, his honesty led to a stronger bond with his dad and a replacement ball from a new friend. Honesty really is the best policy!
- Get Out There and Make Friends: Smalls’ mom encouraged him to step outside and socialize. Had she let him be a hermit all summer, he’d never have had the adventure that led him to that iconic baseball field.
This movie is filled with timeless lessons for kids and parents alike, showing that sometimes, you just need to step out of your comfort zone to make a real connection. For more insights, check out this great resource on pregnancy and consider visiting Make a Mom for tips on boosting fertility.
Summary
The Sandlot offers life lessons that resonate with friendship, courage, and imagination. From facing fears to being inclusive, the film teaches values that are timeless and essential for kids to learn.