When ‘Gilmore Girls’ first premiered, I shrugged it off as another forgettable series. A teenage daughter and her young single mom? Snooze fest. Little did I know, I was missing out! After a friend lent me the first season on DVD, I was completely captivated. The Gilmores, with their rapid-fire banter and incredible mother-daughter bond, won me over. My husband even fell for it, and soon we were the proud owners of all seven seasons on DVD. Like countless others, we eagerly anticipate the Gilmore Girls revival.
I started watching the show with my daughter when she was in her preteen years, and while there were definitely some parenting choices made by Lorelai that I wouldn’t replicate, I found myself adopting aspects of her style. Believe it or not, binge-watching this show has genuinely helped me become a better mom. Here are some key lessons I picked up from the Gilmores:
Embrace Humor First
Lorelai’s humor is infectious, and she seamlessly wove it into her parenting of Rory. I’ve realized that humor is my top parenting tool. It has saved me from countless standoffs with my kids and has lightened many situations that didn’t really warrant tension. Sharing laughter—whether with or at each other—has fostered a closer, more enjoyable relationship with my children.
Keep It Light Until It’s Serious
It’s easy to take ourselves too seriously. Sure, parenting is a serious job, but conserving your serious energy for real issues is essential. Everyday annoyances shouldn’t weigh us down; a light-hearted approach makes daily life enjoyable, and your kids will pick up on that positive vibe.
Be Friends With Your Kids
This might stir up some debate, but hear me out. I don’t think parents should prioritize friendship over authority, but having a friendly rapport with your kids is crucial. As they grow, I cherish the time we spend together. It’s laying the groundwork for when they’ll need my friendly advice in the future.
Know When to Use “The Mom Card”
While friendship is important, it’s also vital to set boundaries. My daughter reminds me of Rory, which is probably why I connected with the show so much. Kids must understand limits, and Lorelai knew when to assert her “mom card” without hesitation.
Apologize When You’re Wrong
Just like kids, parents are not perfect. Lorelai often owned up to her mistakes and apologized. I’ve done the same when I’ve overreacted. It’s valuable for children to see their parents demonstrate honesty and humility.
Honor Your Kids’ Unique Selves
The Gilmores had a solid bond, yet they were distinctly different individuals. Lorelai respected Rory’s individuality and allowed her to flourish. She also stood up for Rory when others expected her to conform.
Remind Your Kids of Their True Selves
When Rory strayed into some questionable territory, Lorelai didn’t just lecture; she looked her in the eye and reminded her, “This isn’t you.” That kind of guidance is powerful and often more effective than any disciplinary measure.
Coffee Is Essential
Here’s the best advice of all: drink the coffee. Lorelai helped me embrace my caffeine habit as a necessary tool for productivity. As she so aptly put it, “I can’t stop drinking the coffee. I stop drinking the coffee, I stop doing the standing and the walking and the words-putting-into-the-sentence doing.” Preach!
While ‘Gilmore Girls’ is just a fun TV show and I don’t base my parenting solely on a fictional family, sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. I’m grateful to have gleaned so much from Stars Hollow.
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Summary
Binge-watching ‘Gilmore Girls’ unexpectedly enriched my parenting style, teaching me the value of humor, friendship, and respect for my children’s individuality. Lorelai Gilmore’s parenting techniques have inspired me to adopt a lighter, more fun approach while still maintaining essential boundaries.