Help Me Obi Mom: Five Ways to Grow a Fan Girl/Boy
Star TrekStargate:AtlantisFireflyBy Rachel
Pink Raygun’s Resident Geek Mama
Do you want your child to grow up appreciating the writing of Buffy, the humor of Shaun of the Dead, the frakkiness of BSG? Here are five ways I have implemented that may help you accomplish your goal. It might not bode well for the child once she gets to high school, but hopefully a seed will be planted.
1. Parental Geeks
They say opposites attract. But seriously, a couple should have something to talk about. Why not let it be comics?… or movies?… or video games? I married a guy who played D&D as a kid, has a replica of the Millennium Falcon is his office, and often wears a t-shirt for ZombAid. It is easier to raise a fan girl/boy if there are already two in the home.
2. Subliminal Powers
Never underestimate the power of the subliminal. And remember, it is OK to treat your kid like a billboard. My 3-month-old often wears onesies sporting the likes of Darth Vader (“Who’s your daddy?”) and Yoda (“Size matters not”) from Hot Topic. The Firefly fan in me has a wishlist at Café Press full of items such as the toddler t-shirt that says “Mal is my captain” and the bib that says “I love Mudder’s Milk.” Which leads us into…
3. Merchandising! (Thank you, Spaceballs.)
My son had action figures before he reached the approved age on the box. Now, I’m not condoning this action, mind you, just be careful… mind the small parts such as swords, blasters, and FBI badges (Ours are in a zip-lock bag somewhere for future enjoyment). And for the newborn – how about a plush face-hugger from Alien or a Mr. Gordo replica from Buffy? These things are out there, people, go find ‘em!
4. Show Time
When the child is old enough, start watching some of the classics (Star Wars, LOTR, etc.) with her. But, seriously, be sure the child is ready for it. Nothing can ruin a night like a nightmare about Darth Vader. I know. I’ve been there. Obviously, we have all seen these movies thousands of times and can skip scenes that are too scary without a moments notice. Another route to go is exposing the child to some of the more kid-friendly Sci-Fi out there, like Monsters, Inc., or The Incredibles, or The Secret of NIHM, or The Dark Crystal. Wait… those last two can be freaky. Just be judicious.
5. First Words
First words are important. The child will hear that first word repeated at family reunions for the rest of his life. My husband and I tried to get our son’s first word to be “redrum.” It was “daddy” in the end, but today, at 3 years old, he can do a great (or is it freaky?) impression of that kid from The Shining. And when I say freaky, I mean FREAKY. We’re going to try to get our new daughter’s first word to be “frak.” Talk about a conversation starter.
Hopefully, these tips will help you mold a new fan boy/girl. Mine are well on their way. In fact, my son just walked in and asked if he can play the Star Wars Lego PS2 game. That’s my boy.
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Rachel Bishop, originally from Oregon and currently living in Arizona, is a grant writer and consultant for non-profit arts organizations. She hopes to one day renovate an old theatre somewhere and turn it into an art house cinema joint [anyone want to be an investor?]. Rachel has a BA in Theatre and Media Arts and an MFA in Arts Administration. She enjoys movies, writing, photography, chocolate milkshakes, using her label-maker, guacamole, and the Oxford Comma. She has been married for almost seven years to a self- proclaimed Zombie Cinema expert who enjoys the occasional Lego, and is the mother of a 3-year-old Star-Wars freak and a cute little girly-girl who joined the family in January. By the way, it turned out much better for her than it did for Ripley.
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