During my first pregnancy, my awesome aunt showered me with delightful care packages every trimester. Each box was filled with thoughtful treats for both me and my little one. When I opened the very first package, I couldn’t help but squeal in delight as I discovered a tiny onesie bearing the word “Muggle.” It was the cutest thing I had ever seen and absolutely perfect for my future nerdling.
You see, I’m a bona fide fangirl, just like my dad and his dad before him (not really, but let’s pretend). From Harry Potter and Star Wars to Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings, my love for these stories runs deep. In some families, you’re born into a life devoted to a sports team or alma mater. In my household, the expectation is that you’ll belt out the original cast recordings of your favorite Broadway shows and immerse yourself in the magical world of “The Boy Who Lived.”
My kids are destined to embrace their inner nerd, and they’ll do it with the kind of enthusiasm only a true fan can muster.
While some parents eagerly anticipate their child’s first tee-ball game or teaching them to ride a bike, I’m counting down the moments until we can snuggle on the couch for their inaugural viewing of A New Hope. And don’t even think about starting with Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Not under my roof. Move along.
I’m not a fan of over-the-top birthday parties for kids; they seem like a ton of work and an even bigger expense, with endless cutting, gluing, and glitter. Instead, I prefer to book a party room at a local venue where kids can run wild, devour pizza and cake, and we can leave without lifting a finger. But when my kids hit the magical age of 11? Oh, I’m going all out — complete with a letter from Hogwarts, lightning bolt decorations galore, and homemade butterbeer until everyone’s feeling a bit queasy.
Now, you might be wondering, “What if your kids don’t want to dive into Harry Potter or binge-watch Star Wars or belt out every song from the Hamilton soundtrack?” Are you trying to break my heart here? They can like other things, sure. But why would they want to? All the best fandoms are right here, ready for them. Besides, most of these stories have been turned into Lego video games, for Yoda’s sake!
When I immerse myself in these books, movies, and songs, it ignites a flood of joy within me. Well, except for Game of Thrones, which often leaves me feeling like a total wreck. But even as George R. R. Martin mercilessly slays every character I’ve grown attached to, I find myself drawn back in. The storytelling is too captivating to resist, and thus, I continue to fangirl on.
This is the kind of passion I hope my kids will feel for the art they cherish. While I’ve never been particularly into sports, I suppose it’s akin to the fervor some have for their favorite teams — just with lightsabers, making it way cooler, obviously.
The beauty of introducing my children to nerd culture is that it’s a family affair. If my kid decides to dress up as Luke Skywalker for Halloween, you can bet I’ll don my Chewbacca costume, and my partner will be Han Solo. Nerdiness has become so mainstream that there are countless family-friendly activities to engage in together — Renaissance fairs, college quidditch matches, and even Star Wars days on Disney cruises. Seriously!
My oldest, now 4, is still a bit young for many of the fandoms I can’t wait to share with him. He gets spooked easily and isn’t ready for the likes of Voldemort or rancor yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s too young for some nerdy fun. He proudly wears his lightning bolt pants, which he calls his Harry Potter pants, and enjoys watching short clips from the movies, especially those featuring quidditch. And thanks to having the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat while I cook, clean, or drive, he recently surprised me by climbing into bed and singing his favorite tunes. He completely knocked me off my feet — I was a puddle of joy!
The camaraderie that some families experience when they don their jerseys and paint their faces with team colors is the same kind of closeness I envision when we put on our Hogwarts robes for our annual HP movie marathon or embark on a trip to the Wizarding World. I’ll be in Slytherin, my partner will represent Gryffindor, and our kids can wear anything but Hufflepuff, because no child of mine shall be a Hufflepuff.
As they grow, there will be books, toys, lightsabers, and wands, and we will bond over every moment as a family of nerds. Giant, happy nerds.
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In summary, my ambition as a parent is to raise my children in an environment rich with nerdy culture, fostering a love for stories and adventures that bind us together as a family.