Deja Vu: Reliving your favorite childhood memories with your children
“Ma, look Minnie!” The look and sound of the excitement felt by your toddler when she sees Minnie Mouse for the first time. Just watching their excitement takes you back to that moment in your life. The excitement to see one of your favorite characters for the first time. It is such an experience to see your child do or watch something for the first time. The best part is being able to relive your childhood in them. For you, you can recall the feeling you had when you experienced the same thing your child is currently feeling.
Disney
Now whether you are a Disney enthusiast or not, everyone knows that first feeling they have when they went to Disney World (or Disney Land). The joy felt riding It’s a Small World for the first time. The excitement when you realized you were tall enough to go on Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. Personally, it brought me so much joy to see my daughter get excited to see Minnie Mouse for the first time. She could not stop staring at her. It brought back memories of when my parents would take me to Disney World. I used to get so excited to see all the characters and have them sign my autograph book.
Movies
When I got pregnant, I made a list of all movies I wanted to eventually watch with my daughter. I couldn’t wait to show her the movies that I idolized growing up. Now as she gets older, it was time to show her. I started off with The Lion King and Aladdin. I figured the music would help capture her attention. Trust me, my favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz, is next on the list. When we were watching Aladdin, my daughter started dancing around the room to “Friend like me.” That moment alone was so cute. My husband then said he remembered when he and his sister would rewind (yes, they had VHS) the video over and over to watch Iago smack into the wall after the Sultan rode the Magic Carpet. He started laughing and smiling so much at that memory.
Toys
Introducing new and exciting toys to your kids helps stimulate their minds. Do you remember playing with your Potato Head? How about dressing up? It’s so much fun to introduce your old toys to your kids and watching their minds racing with excitement at how to play with them. “Ma look eye,” as she places the eye on the head of the Potato Head. You recall when you were smaller playing with Mr. Potato Head with your cousins.
Sports
This one really hits the nostalgia for some. Introducing your child to your favorite sport. It could be a sport you continued to play throughout your life, maybe into adulthood. You see the excitement as your child makes their first basket or goal. A feeling you know well. The look of happiness after they master a skill that is difficult. You are proud of your child, but you also know that feeling. You lived it and can feel them feeling it.
Nostalgia brings back happy moments that might have been forgotten temporarily. Enjoy life but also help your child enjoy every second of it as well. Show them all the amazing things you loved growing up. Smile as you see your child experience similar experiences.
