Illustrating the speed in which the time in our lives goes by so quickly, today I got the honor of walking my 4 year-old daughter to her very first day of school. Four? I mean, she was a baby not long ago, with diapers, unable to speak properly. Right? Should I start applying to universities? Choose a car for her? Nah, let’s not rush this. This wonderment of childhood, that I now get to view with adulthood spectacles. My wife and I are gushing with a certain pride, that’s for sure, but also hang in limbo at the dawn of this new life chapter. As we settle back down to Earth, here are 15 Life Lessons From School Movies that we, as parents, might well imprint on ours kids as they enter the academic realm.
Try not to wander off if you can help it during an outing.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Remember that school is not just about the trolls and the snakes, is it a time for magic and adventure.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Getting in with the right crowd can be so fetch – for a while.
Mean Girls (2004)
Respect your teachers – they are people with lives too.
Goodbye, Mr Chips (1939)
Work as a team with fellow pupils, and who knows what you might overcome.
Toy Soldiers (1991)
Discover new poetry, embrace it, stand up and salute it if you must.
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
If you have a talent for music, pursue it, join a band, enter a contest.
School of Rock (2003)
Don’t be afraid to try something new, you just never know.
Les choristes (2004)
Avoid lying to friends, it could escalate out of all proportion.
Easy A (2010)
Try not to do anything drastic if you feel misunderstood by teachers and parents.
Le Quatre Cents Coups (1959)
Try not to dissect your big crush – when you get the opportunity, just go for it.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Be open and honest about any bullying, whichever side of the fence you are on.
Hævnen (2010)
Try not to be part of the troublesome, distracting kids.
Entre les murs (2008)
If you are going to get yourself in detention, please make sure it is not on a Saturday.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Treat your friends equally, no matter what their background or persuasion.
Au revoir les enfants (1987)