If you’ve been following me you know I got to attend the Frozen 2 red carpet and world preimere. I also got to crash the after party and the press junket! And boy to do I things to share. Inclduing a couple of parenting tips I got straight from Kristen Bell and Sterling K. Brown.
I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed by all the celebrities freely roaming the Frozen 2 after-party. And kept thinking to myself – “who am I that I get to be here?” Because let’s be honest, this isn’t my regular life. I mean I had to put on real clothes… multiple days in a row.
But after my experience with Sterling K. Brown, I was brought back to Earth. Y’all – they are just like us. And they mom and dad it just like us. Maybe better.
Manners matter. Even with siblings.
There I was waiting patiently for my moment with Sterling. All I needed was just a quick minute for a picture.
But his kids were with him and they took priority. And that stole my breath. I knew what I’d read and watched but here he was in full action – Dad mode.
His oldest son, Andrew (8), had just finished one of the surrounding stations and wasn’t too impressed with his “prize”. His dad told him to give it to his younger brother, Amaré, which he proudly did.
Amaré was busy doing something else and did say anything when he was given the prize. So, Sterling and proceeded to remind him to say “thank you”. Still a little too busy, Amaré, didn’t respond.
In full-on Dad mode, Sterling K. Brown stepped away from his adoring fans and quietly, but firmly gave him one more reminder to say “thank you” to his brother. And Amaré did.
There was no show of anger or impatience, even though he had people waiting. Sterling handled the situation with the quiet dignity that he shows on screen.
If I had been in that situation, I’d have ignored it and reminded my child at a later point. Would it have stuck out in his mind? Nope. I’d have lost that teachable moment because I didn’t address it as it happened.
Parenting tip I learned from Sterling K. Brown – I need to reinforce manners, even with siblings at all times. And it’s ok to step away from others to handle your parenting business. Because let’s be real – no one is gonna do it for you!
Parenting Tips from Kristen Bell
I missed Kristen Bell at the Frozen 2 after-party as I’m pretty sure she skipped it. But at the Frozen 2 press junket a couple of days later she spouted of a parenting tip that I just can’t stop thinking about.
Rachel Berry from prettyinbabyfood.com mentioned that Frozen 2 was darker and asked if it was maybe it was geared for older kids, those who saw the original Frozen.
READ MORE: Check out my Frozen 2 Review to see if I think it’s too dark!
And in response, Kristen said, “We don’t give them enough credit for their ability to digest complex situations and trauma and struggle.” … You don’t have to tell them that the world is a scary place, even though it really is. But you can let them see a story that has a resolution.”
She quickly followed up with “It’s kind of like, you know when toddlers have tantrums, I read this as like, oh, they’re trying on all these emotions that don’t get fit, because they’re practicing the same reason puppies play fight. They want to feel adrenaline and cortisol so they know how to handle it when they’re older. So I actually think that it’s great for kids to be a little bit on the edge of their seat because it’s a safe environment to try on those emotions.”
Go ahead and let all that mom wisdom sink in.
Have you ever said “oh, that’s too scary.” in front of your kids before they even saw it or tried it? I’m not talking R rated horror films. More on the side of Frozen 2 or even a roller coaster at a theme park.
Because I know I have and I have a scaredy-cat kid. He literally has panic attacks when thinking about riding anything but kiddy rides. And that includes rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, because of the little drops. He doesn’t know how to handle that adrenaline rush from fear or the loss of control.
At age 12 he’s just now starting to step out of his comfort zone and show an interest in slightly scary movies, think Goosebumps style. We’ve yet to make an improvement in his willingness to ride most attractions.
Did I do my son a disservice by not encouraging him to try out those emotions at a younger age? I’m not sure, but I do know that I didn’t help him overcome any of those fears at an early age. Which leaves me with a whole bucket of mom guilt… But he’s teaching himself about it now, so I’ll get over it.
So, what did I learn from Kristen Bell – It’s ok for my child to be a little scared at times. It’s alright if I’m the one who exposes him to those scarier scenes or rides because it gives him the chance to try out new emotions with me by his side. And understanding how to process those emotions will help him as he grows older.
I’m not judging your parenting style
Nope, I’m not. How you parent your kids is up to you. These parenting tips from Kristen Bell and Sterling K. Brown made me think about the way I mom my kids. And I had some revelations.
You do you and I’ll do me. But I’d love to know your thoughts! Share them in a kind and positive manner in the comments below.
Leave a Reply