Captain James Hook

A lot of parents probably hear me talk, or read my blog and think ‘What does he know? He’s not even a Dad yet’. That’s true in many ways and my learning and development experience has barely even begun, but I’ve considered myself a parent from almost the minute me and my partner found out we had fell pregnant. I thought myself to be a parent, from that moment because my outlook had already begun to change. I’ve been making life changes and preparing for the arrival of our child for months, and although I admit to knowing very little, I still see myself as a parent.

Everything has changed in the last handful of months! The biggest change I’ve noticed so far on this journey has been my outlook on life. I look at almost everything differently now. The way I shop is different; the way I watch the news is different; the way I look at myself and those around me is different – the way I watch movies is different! This week, I watched an old childhood favourite movie. Hook.

If you haven’t seen it, then watch it... I love it. Its Steven Spielbergs take on the Peter Pan story and features Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts to name just a few. I’ve seen the film countless times, but it wasn’t until watching it this week that I even took notice of this specific scene. Caroline Goodall turns to Robin Williams as  the mother of their children in the movie and says

“Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack might not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast Peter. Just a few years, and it's over.”

I’d never paid any mind to this scene in the past, but this time around it really got me thinking. I remember my own childhood and teenage years well enough to know how true the quote is. I don’t want to be one of those Dads that doesn’t give his children real, quality time and miss out on all of those important moments and bonding opportunities. I won’t be able to physically hold my son yet for almost another 2 months and already he has me. I can’t even watch an old favourite movie anymore without realising that life has already changed.

The viewing experience of Hook wasn’t all serious though. It made me realise how I can’t wait to have the excuse to dress as pirates with him and cause havoc around the house. The story is a favourite of mine. Becoming a parent means many a change, but a lot can be said for keeping a little piece of the Peter Pan story in mind – Is there ever really reason to fully grow up?