Breaking News: Star Wars Cures Toddler's Moodiness!

by EJ on 03/29/12

This year I've witnessed a miracle. LT, my blond-headed tornado, my very temperamental four year old who presses the pads of his index fingers up into the corners of his mouth to force a smile, who draws frowns on all of his artwork at preschool, who has never ever been attached to any one toy or thing since birth (well, except for cheese), recently discovered Star Wars.

The seeds of this miracle were planted on Christmas, of course. Santa brought LT his very own Playskool Millennium Falcon with accompanying galactic friends Han Solo and Chewbacca. LT didn't know what to do with the toy at the time and he played with it off and on. Then, in late January, Grandpop sent AJ, who was turning two, Star Wars 4, 5 and 6 on DVD. We sat down as a family that very weekend and had ourselves a Star Wars marathon. LT begged to watch the movies again and again. LT didn't understand how Darth Vader could also be Anakin Skywalker but as I explained the complexities I could see the wheels turning in his head. He asked all kinds of questions and I tried so, so hard to remember the answers, having had a young brother obsessed with all things Star Wars Saga growing up. The story of Star Wars astounded LT to no end.

One month later, LT built his Playskool Star Wars collection a bit larger. In the store, I found him two more vehicles and we finally located Luke Skywalker, LT's favorite character. I sought out Season 3 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (the cartoon show) on DVD. I honestly just wanted to find everything Star Wars and buy it all - not possible, of course. After a heated argument with my husband over all the stuff I did throw in the cart, I almost cried. I'm not normally impulsive when shopping and especially about toys. I felt all emotional and wouldn't dare let anyone take any of those toys away from LT, not even my husband. Cha-ching went the cash register.

On the drive home, I was able to make sense of my sudden Star Wars hysteria. LT is suddenly and consistently joyful about something - and even if that something has to be Star Wars - then fine. I will support his joy while yes, reigning in my impulsive toy shopping. I've never seen LT so happy for so long, so proud of something. He adores his collection and plays with his Star Wars characters non-stop, all day long, until falling asleep. He flies his Millennium Falcon around the house, shouts out "The Empire won't get me now!" and I personally couldn't smile any bigger if I tried. Honestly, either could he.   

Thank you, George Lucas! Thank you, Playskool! No, I didn't receive any free stuff for this post but will gladly accept any Star Wars donations! HA!

Check out this super cute Darth Vader baby backpack I got on Etsy from Four Bees Embroidery! Check it out, you must!