I’ve enjoyed the “Star Wars” movies since I could hold my first lightsaber, er, stick. But, it wasn’t until later in life that I truly appreciated the parallels that “Star Wars” presents to my own life, particularly when it comes to parenting.



Here are just a few:

Trying to work from home while parenting:

The first (and last) time I let my toddler wipe himself without an adult helping him:

Me: "I can't understand you when you talk like that. Please use your words."



My kids:

Me, the fifth time I have to go into my kids' bedroom after tucking them in:

That moment I know all of my parenting mistakes haven't ruined my child's confidence:

Waking up and realizing my child has climbed into bed with me and peed:

Driving away with my wife after dropping the kids off with the grandparents:

When I realize my kids are playing in the other room a little too quietly:

Me: "Stop doing that. You’ll hurt yourself."

My kid:

When another parent says they are considering getting an Elf on the Shelf for their kid:

Wondering if my kid will avoid having a meltdown if I play it cool when he falls down:

When my kid tells me that he just remembered that he has an important school project due tomorrow morning as I tuck him into bed:

Stepping on Legos with bare feet:

How I felt when trying to get my kid into that fancy charter school with the lottery system:

When someone offers me unsolicited parenting advice:

The pep talk I give every time I ask my kids to clean their rooms:

When my wife mentions that the baby needs a diaper change:

When I see a car driving too fast down my street while my kids play outside:

Walking through the door after a long day and being greeted by my kids:

Note: I do not own the “Star Wars” franchise or any of these GIFs or their images, but I am pretty sure that parenting is as close as a person can get to possessing The Force. You can find the source at the links below.

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2015, and updated in December 2019.