Bueller Parenting
I just got to see the amazing Matthew Broderick Ferris Bueller Superbowl ad. I loved it so I ran out and purchased a Honda CRV (OK, I already had one). It was a treat and I am still smiling, ear to ear!
I grew up in the age of John Hughes. The 80s had a lot to teach us (my children find my knowledge of neon fashion, ripped tees and well John Hughes to be more than impressive/ annoying). But what they don’t get is how much I learned from Ferris Bueller. That day, that one wondrous day has it all…and there is nothing that comes close to that pitch-perfect movie. I have been trying to get my kids “in” but the movie moves too slowly for them, my kids can’t really appreciate it – somehow the wildest adventure of all time feels dull to them. I am miffed.
Still, Ferris has played a big part in their growing up. My parenting style (call it what you will) has always been balanced by an eye towards that day off. The fact that we all need it. And sometimes, quite badly. And so in the world where I am Mommy (cut to the 2012 Julia shot – still me , but wait – where are those cool highlights?!?!) each one of my kids is allowed one “mental health day” per year. On that day we go our own wild adventures – we visit museums, watch movies, try new restaurants, take a drive, take a shop, explore new neighborhoods – we just take a day off. It is completely a la Ferris and completely rich on so many levels. I see them as they see the world – just one on one – with no agenda but discovery and fun. It is bonding and bumming all at once. An really it is priceless. Yup, I am sold…
Cue the Ferris music….
January 30th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
I promise each of my kids a mental health day, too. My husband just DOES NOT get it. And truth be told, I never made the Ferris connection, but I bet that’s where my idea to do it came from, too. So necessary. So John Hughes. So 80′s! So great. (cute the big earrings and bigger hair)