• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Medium
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Little Miss Martha

Decorate & Celebrate

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Adopt A Fairy Co.
  • Contact

Lessons from Stranger Things from a Terrible Parent

5 Aug
Spread the love
Tweet

Hi I’m Abby.
And I’m a terrible parent…
Apparently…
According to someone who doesn’t know me…
And because I let my kids watch stranger things…

So I posted this video yesterday on my Instagram account, LMMBlog, where I share things about my family, lifestyle, and decor, which I also share here.  Obviously, Stranger Things is not really decor related, unless you are totally into the eighties, which, if I’m being honest, it’s majorly growing on me.  But, I digress…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cg28rOXgFL9/

Over the summer we headed to couple special Stranger Things experiences.  First, if you don’t know much about Stranger Things, I think you should watch it.  If your kids want to watch it, watch it with them.  It’s brought our family together for more cozy sofa time watching, listening to the soundtrack on family jeep rides, taken trips back in time like the one I shared above, and actually since we started watching the show together, we’ve probably enjoyed MORE togetherness than we would have had not watching it as a family.

STRANGER THINGS IN BLOOMINGTON INDIANA

In a nutshell, Stranger Things, is about a group of friends located in Hawkins, Indiana.  After Will, from the group of friends, strangely vanishes, the others as well as his mother Joyce (Winona Ryder), desperately search for him.  The small town starts to reveal many secrets at play including a secret lab, portals to another world and monsters.   All set in the eighties when parents were less around and kids were more latchkey.  No iPads, cell phones, GPS, not even digital cameras.

FAVORITE STRANGER THINGS MERCH

While it may seem scary to some, even some older people, my kids didn’t find it scary.  They somewhat laugh at the demogorgons.  Listen, everyone interprets things differently.  We see this in our everyday lives.  You can see it with foods we like or dislike.  Or see that with friends we like or dislike.  So why can’t we watch shows that we find scary or not scary?  It’s not like I let them watch NOPE.

I also ask them constantly if things are too scary or if it bothers them.  And we’ve never had issues with nightmares, or not sleeping (other than not going to be because of FOMO) in our house… We actually love our kids dearly so we wouldn’t purposely let them watch or do things that would hurt them in the long run.

STRANGER THINGS EXPERIENCE CHICAGO

But I will say, we do like to experience things WITH our kids.  They’ve been by our side since they were born  We rarely do things without them.  I think we’ve hired a babysitter about 5x in our 12 year marriage.  We don’t have a close support system of family to utilize so the kids just come along.  By doing so, it’s actually allowed them to experience things that some kids their age haven’t.  But I did that growing up too, I was lucky to be exposed to things at a young age and I believe it’s actually helped me along the way.  So this is just one of those things we do WITH our kids.

When I watch Stranger Things, I actually see a few amazingly special qualities.  Yes, there are monsters, but like I said, they don’t scare us.  We walk right up to them, just like Hopper I guess.  And honestly, I find them quite creative.  They have details that are both beautiful AND disgusting.  It’s ok to expose kids to things of all sorts.  I believe it makes them a more well rounded humans, which is our job as parents.  To prepare them for LIFE – good and bad!  If we shelter them from scary things ALL THE TIME, then when will they learn how to handle those situations?!  Or how will they know how to do things WITHOUT us.  It’s ok to sometimes be uncomfortable.  It helps us decide on the things we like or don’t like.

JOY OF CHILDREN

But in this show, I see growth of friendships, inclusion, problem solving, working together, love of friends, love of family, GREAT LOVE, and there’s nothing wrong with any of those things.  I see kids interested in science and math.  I see kids who don’t care that they are a little nerdy or goofy because they have the rest of their nerdy and goofy tribe right there alongside of them.   There are actually so many lessons I think you learn from this show, not all listed in this post.

Also grief is shown in such a true way when Max loses Billy and the conflict she has with it a, and that not everyone has the same home life, and that sometimes it’s ok to go against the grain.  All of these things are really great lessons.  We don’t always get to see some of these things, and if we do, they aren’t always portrayed in a accurate way.  I think this show does a great job of showing the difference in lifestyles, opportunities, etc… especially as it was in the eighties.

I think if you watch this show outside of the fact that it’s a scary show about an upside down world, you’ll see something more magical.  The Duffer Brothers may have put together a group of misfits, but man it’s so cool to watch these characters grow and all WITHOUT direct parental supervision.  I hope my kids can grow up to be something like Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, Erica, Nancy, Steve, or Robin.  We pray that they someday know the love that Joyce shows for her boys as well as Eleven when she takes her in.  Let’s hope they know themselves enough to feel like they can act like Eddie does in the cafeteria.  And I hope they find true friendships like those of Robin & Steve or Eddie & Dustin.  I hope they can be brave when they need to be.  I hope they learn that normalcy is overrated.  There are so many GREAT moments in this show that show that go deeper than the scary elements of it.

 FAMILY ROAD TRIP

So yea, sorry that I watch a show, together with my family, that shows my kids how to love others, shows them true friendships and how they can have ups and downs, shows them how to be creative, shows them how to solve problems and mysteries, shows them how to utilize resources they have on hand without going and buying something new, and shows them that they can be empowered to do things themselves {usually} without adult intervention.  Sorry I’m watching a show with my kids that’s actually showing my kids that it’s ok to not depend on their parents 24/7.  Sorry we parent differently, but that’s ok because I know we all do and I didn’t call you out on anything…

If deciding to watch with your kids, I’m not a pro,
but I’d ask these questions before and while watching Stranger Things:

1. Before – Do YOU want to watch this?  If they don’t, move on until they go to bed.
2. While – If anything scares you, we can turn it off.
3. While – If anything scares you, I can cover your eyes or you can pop under the blanket.
4.  We can turn it off at anytime.
5.  While – Remember, all the scary things are make-believe and not real.
6. While – I’m right here.

But I guess, yea, this all makes me a terrible parent according to one person who doesn’t know me on the internet.

C’mon, don’t be a Dingus!

 

Tweet

Comments:
Leave a Comment
Categories:
2022, Blog, Parenting, Reflection, Summer Fun
Tags:
STRANGER THINGS

Find the Good!

Join the LMM Newsletter and Good Things will be sent to your mailbox bi-weekly.
It's a good thing and you'll think so too!

Share the Good!

« Stranger Things in Bloomington
The Stranger Things Store »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

A little about me…

Hey There! I'm Abby. Some people started calling me "Little Miss Martha" a few years back and this blog followed. I started it to share my DIY wedding progress, but it's now evolved to include other good things. Read More…

Lastest on Instagram

lmmblog

Abby || Lifestyle Blogger
Cheers to Friday y’all! It’s been the longest Cheers to Friday y’all!  It’s been the longest week ever and I really wish there were something different in this cup, but iced green tea it is! 

I’d love to hear how your week was!  If you want, share in the comments!  I hope it was better than mine!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend either way! 
.
.
.
#goodvibes #longweeks #sleepykids #summercamps #exhaustedkids #cheerstotheweekend #cheerstofriday #fridaycheers #betterlucknextweek #momlife
If you have a small business, what is something yo If you have a small business, what is something you are working on making better?!? I’ve been working hard to get my life and business organized and to get my creative juices flowing again!  A spark to starting with all that was beginning @flourishwithsarah !  It’s a super helpful community that helps you build and nurture your small handmade business. And while it still feels like I’m just getting started, it’s been loaded with info, knowledge, advice, and support so far and I can’t wait to share more of this journey! 
.
.
.
#makeandflourish #youwillflourish #flourish #handmadebusiness #buildyourbusiness #growyourbusiness #growandflourish
Cheers to Friday! ☕️ Wow - first week of summe Cheers to Friday! ☕️
Wow - first week of summer down and it’s definitely kicked my butt!  May your conviction to stay off tablets be strong and your coffee be stronger! 🤣 So tired… So busy… How are you guys doing?! 

Even if this first week has exhausted me, I’m actually back in love with easy mornings and no fights and mad dashes for the bus!  And the kids swimming off energy!! 🏊‍♀️

What’s been you favorite thing about summer so far?! Or are you all even out of school yet?! 
.
.
.
#cheerstotheweekend #cheerstofriday #fridaycheers #cuppa #cuppajoe #summercoffee #firstweekofsummer #imsotired #wecandohardthings
Yay for the last day!!! Pray for all the parents Yay for the last day!!! 
Pray for all the parents who are winging the summer 🤣
Every kiddo needs sunglasses this summer and why n Every kiddo needs sunglasses this summer and why not make your own customized set?! Super easy to recreate and I cannot wait to see yours!  Do you think you’ll try this?! 
.
.
.
#summeriscoming #summersunnies #customizedsunglasses #justaddbeads #kidssunglasses #kidssunnies #easydiy #summerdiy #kidsaccessories #summerfun #makeyourownfashion
What do you guys do for the kiddies on the last da What do you guys do for the kiddies on the last day of school?  I missed #tablestoptuesday once again because of a horrible migraine but I had this fun table setting all set in my head!  Here’s a fun kids table setting to set the mood for summer!  Use soemthing like this on the last day of school for breakfast, after school snack, or dinner!  It’s sure to kick summer off right! 
.
.
.
#tablesetting #tablesettings #kidstable #funtable #lastdayofschool #lastdayofschoolideas #ideasforkids #whimsy #schoolsout #summerfun☀️ #easydiy
With Summer break literally just around the corner With Summer break literally just around the corner, here’s a few essentials to get you through! 
✨dive toys 
✨water balloon sling shot
✨sunscreen
✨movies 
✨towels
✨games
✨sun hats

Check out everything over on LTK!  link in bio!
.
.
.
#lifesabeach #beachbuys #summerfun #poolnecessities #summernecessities #summeriscoming #poolvibes #beachvibe #readyforsummer☀️
Cheers to Fridays! Also cheers to not getting you Cheers to Fridays!  Also cheers to not getting your weekly to-do list done, garage sales, the best neighbors, messy hair, stranger things scrunches, no makeup, and warmer weather!  Oh and @drinkmomwater!  Enjoying my last Christmas Carol as I revel in a successful garage sale that my husband would say is all because of him! 🤣

What are you cheersing to this Friday?! 
.
.
.
#cheers #cheerstotheweekend #momwater #garagesales #nomakeupselfie #happyfri̇day #happyfridayeveryone #enjoytheweekend #weekendvibes
✨LAST CHANCE✨
Enter to win a $400 TRADER JOE’S GIFT CARD!! I’ve teamed up with @modernmomgiveaways and some friends to gift a special person a $400 Trader Joe’s Gift Card. 
It only takes 30 seconds to enter. Go to @modernmomgiveaways and follow ALL the steps to ENTER TO WIN!

•
•
•
•
#traderjoeshaul #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds 
#traderjoesrecipes #traderjoesflowers #traderjoeslist
#foodiesofinstagram #foodiesofinsta #cleaneatingrecipe #cleaneatingideas 
#sahm #peonies #easydinnerideas #dinnerideas #traderjoesmmg
Does your office work for you?! Mine was not! It Does your office work for you?! Mine was not!  It was cluttered with all the 12,000 things I do and want to do!  So, I removed  lots of the clutter and only kept a few crafty things.  Then I reorganized and moved a few pieces around. Now I’m feeling inspired and organized in this space!  Can’t wait to get back to it!
.
.
.
#officespaces #officeorganization #myoffice #frommesstosuccess #officedecor #officeinteriors #homeofficeideas #reorganize #declutteryourlife #officemakeover #partone
What’s your favorite Wes Anderson Film?! A littl What’s your favorite Wes Anderson Film?! A little late to this trend but thought it would be fun. I did my best 🤣
.
.
.
#wesanderson #gaveitatry #wesandersontrend #morningcoffee☕️ #morningroutines #musthavecoffee #reelstrend #wesandersonmood #artnoveau #suburban #suburbia #suburbiastyle
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas of all kind Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas of all kinds out there - new, old, step, bonus, aunts, adoptive, etc!  You are all amazing! 💕 I you had a day where you could kick your feet up and enjoy some down time, but as we know , as moms, that rarely happens! 
.
.
.
#happymothersday #momsday #weneedaweek #youareamazing #everydayshouldbemothersday #mommas #allthemoms #mothersday2023
Cheers to the weekend! What are your plans for th Cheers to the weekend!  What are your plans for the weekend?! I hope it’s 💯 enjoyable and filled with love, flowers, sleep, family, and peace! 
.
.
.
#happyweekend #weekendvibes #cheerstotheweekend #momvibes #happymothersday❤️ #enjoytheweekend
I’m all about a reusable craft! Remember those I’m all about a reusable craft!  Remember those horse show ribbons we made for the derby?! We’ll print out a couple special mom pics to replace the horses with and you’ve got some pretty special ribbons for your momma just in time for Mother’s day! 
.
.
.
#kidscraft #easydiy #easykidscrafts #easygifts #easygiftformom #mothersdaygiftideas #fromtheheart #happymothersday❤️ #reuseablecrafts #craftmakeover #formomma #supermom #giftsformom
I know I missed my Tabletop Tuesday post yesterday I know I missed my Tabletop Tuesday post yesterday, but I still had one in mind… Do you do breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day?  If so, here’s a fun little way you can present Mother’s Day breakfast (cereal or oatmeal) to that special momma this weekend!  I love the bling that disco balls give any room so using a disco ball drink cup as a vase is the perfect way to add some glamour!  Fresh flowers, succulents and floral plates round out the setting!  I added a few things like a dollar tree flower placemat underneath and a rattan charger too.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match and try weird things!  Sometimes the best mishmashes and unexpected combinations turn out quite magical!
.
.
.
#magicalmoments #mothersday #tablesetting #floraltablescape #floraldishes #mothersdaytable #placesetting #pinkdisco #floralplates #ironstone #vintagemixedwithnew #eclectictablescape #tablescaping #tabletop #tablescapes #prettypresentation #foryourmomma #happymothersday❤️
As a mom, what’s one things you are looking forw As a mom, what’s one things you are looking forward to on Sunday?! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you don’t already have something for that special momma in your life, we’ve got some ideas for you!  Swipe to see them all, and yes, they do include this belt bag that I get enough of!  Seriously, worthy of the hype and trend! 
.
.
.
#mothersdaygift #giftguides #mothersday2023 #everywherebag #mommas #momsday #makeherfeelspecial #happymothersday #giftguide #mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygiftguide
Another one for Cinco de Mayo — told you this we Another one for Cinco de Mayo — told you this week was busy!  What do you think?!? Have you tried this one?!! Sharing my favorite margarita recipe 🤣
All you need is @costco’s Golden Margarita!  Drinks don’t have to be complicated 🍹
.
.
.
#margaritarecipe #cincodemayo #cincodemayodrinks #cincodedrinko #easymargarita #margaritas🍹 #celebrateeveryday #goldenmargarita #costcofinds #doesnthavetobecomplicated
Ok… here’s a two-fer! What will you be watchi Ok… here’s a two-fer!  What will you be watching Saturday?!! It’s been a busy week, and the weekend doesn’t stop!  The Indy Mini, Kentucky Derby and King’s Coronation are all the same day!  So, here’s a little diy fascination for under $10 that you can wear to celebrate 2 of the 3b!  A few dollar tree supplies, hot glue, and then you get to pretend you are a milliner!  Wear for derby day OR the coronation OR BOTH!  A fun and easy little project for you and you kids! 
.
.
.
#diyfascinator #derbyready #derbyhats #diyderbyhat #fascinator #makeyourown #coronation #coronationday  #coronationattire #derbyattire #dollartreecrafts
✨LAST CHANCE✨ Enter to win a $500 DISNEY GIFT ✨LAST CHANCE✨
Enter to win a $500 DISNEY GIFT CARD!! I’ve teamed up with @modernmomgiveaways and some friends to gift a special person a $500 Disney Gift Card. 
It only takes 30 seconds to enter. Go to @modernmomgiveaways and follow ALL the steps to ENTER TO WIN!
•
•
•
•
#waltdisneyworld #wdw #disneyworld #disneygram #disneyparks #magickingdom #disneyside #instadisney #disney #disneymagic #disneylife #disneyland #igers_wdw #disneyaddict #disnerd #disneyfan #ilovedisney #disneygram #disneyspring #disneylove #disneyinsta #disneyig #disneyblogger #disneymmg
Do you enjoy tabletop decor?!? I’ve decided I th Do you enjoy tabletop decor?!? I’ve decided I think I’ll try to do “Tabletop Tuesdays” and since I missed this week, it’s gonna be Tabletop Thursday!  This is a quick and easy place setting for the derby and I had everything but the paper plates which I grabbed for yesterdays share and the napkins!  It’s not anything fancy but it’s still sweet!  Melamine plate topped with a paper dessert/snack plate and finally topped with party napkins from @partycity and gold flatware!  Add a trophy or horse or both and you are set! 

We’ll be at a friends for the Derby this year but you can still have fun even if you aren’t hosting! 
.
.
.
#tablesetting #tabledecor #tabletoptuesday #tabletopdecor #tablescapes #tablescaping #placesetting #derbydecor #derbyinspired #kentuckyderby #kentuckyderbydecor #horseinspiration #horseracingworld
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Stay Updated

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

  • Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2023
  • May Day Bouquets – Indy Style
  • Less than 24 Hours in Savannah
  • Office & Studio Space Makeover Plans
  • Five Reasons to Give The Gift of Swimming This Year
Join Bluprint For Just $100 & Get a Free Project Box! Valid at myBluprint.com through 1/31/19.
Design, edit and store projects with PicMonkey

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2023

DISCLOSURE: SOME OF THE LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING, THAT AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU ... View Post

May Day Bouquets – Indy Style

I've always wanted to do something fun for May 1st.  We in Indy like to say "It's Gonna Be May" in ... View Post

[show_ltk_widget_version_two rows="3" cols="3" show_frame="true" user_id="429876" padding="4" app_id="197653962" profileid="4e73f9d7-f491-11eb-8f77-2db9fcd65f25"]
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Join our Mailing List

4d07bfb4455d2035936a4bf32c5f5393

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in