Hello "Goodbye Christopher Robin"
Last week, a friend of mine dropped her son off to play. Her son is one of my favorite kids and one of my youngest son’s best friends. Frankly, who could dislike a child who can hold his own during just about any type of play and adores home-made rice krispie treats? I make them for him, especially, when I know he’s coming over because his eyes light up at the mere mention that I have them for snack. It’s rather sweet.
That said, it was during our pre-playdate conversation when my friend asked if I had seen the movie, “Goodbye Christopher Robin”. My positive response was immediate as the message behind the movie - not to mention the darling face and performance of the child who played the namesake character, Will Tilston, during his early years - had burned themselves into my brain. Apparently, the impact left by both ensured that I was not alone. My friend exited the theater the day she decided to see the movie astounded as well.
What struck us both was something so simple, obvious, and seemingly elusive during much of every holiday season and beyond. Put bluntly, we, parents, dedicate so much time and energy to buying our kids the perfect gifts and then we run out of steam when it comes to actually sitting down and playing with them with their newfound toys. Assembling the gadgets doesn’t count, mind you.
And yet, it is the actual "play between parent and child" that continues to be the most important element to the exchange.
Inarguably, the best present you can give any child as a mom or dad is your time. They need it for their health and welfare and so do you. Yet, current realities impose ever increasing restrictions and limitations on such opportunities within most families today unless real and continued thought is devoted to not allowing this to occur -- keeping priorities in their rightful place.
This is what the movie “Goodbye Christopher Robin” is all about -- a needed reminder to force parents to take a step back and reconnect with their children in ways that mean more to them than any thing-a-ma-jig ever could at Christmas-time or otherwise. Can you honestly say there is a more important bonding experience currently available that comes with a tub of popcorn and a Coke?
As I know, numerous families attend the movies together in the days following Thanksgiving Day, I implore you to consider adding "Goodbye Christopher Robin" to your “must see” list. It’s understated tone may not drive the kids into a frenzy like Coco or Justice League, but the benefits and pertinence to all your lives are invaluable and equally as legendary as the classic tale of Winnie the Pooh itself...and Piglet too.
