Keeping The Conversation Going #streamteam

Some days I think I have forgotten much more than I’ll ever remember about my girls when they were young. How they smelled, how they looked fresh out of the bath, how it felt when their warm little bodies snuck into bed and snuggled up to me after a bad dream.

Perhaps it’s my age or theirs that has me feeling nostalgic lately. Turning 40 was much easier than turning 41… 40 was a celebration, a milestone… 41 is just another year added to the others. Mind you, it sure beats the alternative and I know I am blessed to be healthy and happy. But there is a growing part of me that is sad.

When I look back at this picture I laugh because it truly tells a story of the relationship between these two sisters. But it also makes me sad to realize that there are few things I remember from their childhood even though they are still in the Tween and Teen years. I was so rushed, so weary, trying to make everything from mealtime to birthday parties perfect for them. Or so I thought. Maybe I was trying to make it all perfect for me. Whatever the reason, it saddens me to think that I was so busy getting by that I have few memories of moments like these that weren’t captured on film or video.

I’d like to go back for a day. I’d like to hear their little voices and how they sounded because I’ve forgotten. I’d like to feel how small they were in my arms because now they barely fit on my lap. I’d like to smell their “fresh from the bath” smell because now they smell like hockey and hairspray.

I remember their first steps. I remember the first day of school. So is that what motherhood is, a series of milestones burned in your memory and the rest are just days that go by without fanfare?

I remember bursting onto tears on the day that my oldest daughter was Baptized. The enormity of responsibility hit me all of a sudden and out of nowhere.

I know our journey, wherever this life will take us, is far from over… and for that, I’m glad.

I’m also glad that I have a wonderful relationship with my girls. I think we can talk about anything… although sometimes getting those important conversations started are not easy. But with Netflix, your kid’s favourite shows can open the door for these tricky, sometimes awkward conversations. Netflix is host to a variety of family-friendly shows that explore a range of real-life issues with equal measures of humour, angst and heart. No matter your situation, chances are there’s a show and episode that can kickstart a dialogue around the topic just by watching it together.

Here are a few of our favourites:

Sibling Rivalry
Watch Ep. S1E1: Babee’s Room

Buzzabee and Rubee compete over who Babee (their new sibling) gets to room with. Mom and dad must explain to Buzzabee and Rubee that Babee needs to grow up before she can share a room.

 

Responsibility
Watch Ep. S1E1: Puppies & Guppies/Sorry We’re Closed Today

Larry and Laura Carrot want to adopt puppies, but quickly learn it takes responsibility in order to watch over and care for a pet of their own.

 

 

Peer Pressure
Watch Ep. S1E6: The Legend of El Explosivo

After getting grounded for sneaking off to Bobby Popko’s house, Jackson realizes he needs to stand up for what he knows is right and not give in to please his friend.

 

 

Body Image
Watch Ep. S1E16: Home

After Sue demands that Mercedes lose weight, Quinn steps in to change her mindset and together they set the stage for beauty at William McKinley High, teaching the importance of empowerment and inclusion. 

 

Actions Have Consequences
Watch Ep. S1E1&2: Pilot & Consequently

Brandon finds himself in a dangerous situation when trying to help Callie (his new foster sister) find her brother — learning that his actions can result in unexpected consequences. 

 

Good luck with those difficult conversations. Keep talking though, our kids are worth it!

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix Canada #StreamTeam. All opinions and views expressed are my own. I choose to binge watch and when I binge watch, I choose Netflix!