Have you seen the movie, “Nanny McPhee”?
Photo courtesy: By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3187092 – Universal Pictures
My husband and I recently watched the sequel, “Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang”. The original movie came out in 2005 and took place in 19th century England. A widower is unable to raise his seven children on his own and the children have systematically gotten rid of seventeen nannies before Nanny McPhee appears and saves the day. The sequel debuted last year and takes place in the English countryside during World War II, We are introduced to the harried mother whose husband is off defending the country and whose three rambunctious young children never seem to listen to her and are constantly fighting with each other. (Let me know if this sounds familiar.) 🙂
Into the picture comes Nanny McPhee, a no-nonsense woman who has unseen powers and a gift for bringing calm and order to a situation filled with upheaval and chaos. (Nanny McPhee, where are you?)
What struck me, though, were the FIVE LESSONS the children had to learn while under Nanny McPhee’s care. I truly believe that these are FIVE LESSONS THAT EVERY KID SHOULD LEARN and use, whether at home, in school or ANYWHERE.
1. NO FIGHTING
2. SHARE
3. WORK TOGETHER
4. BE BRAVE
5. HAVE FAITH
Don’t you think it would be a wonderful thing if every man, woman and child on the face of the earth could learn these lessons?
After doing some research, I learned that back in August, Twitter Moms (now Social Moms) had posed the following question on Facebook, “What are the 5 lessons every kid should learn?” I’m sure they had a ton of responses.
But I’m going to stick with my original plan and, for the next five days, I’ll examine each of Nanny McPhee’s lessons to see how we can apply them as parents today. If you look carefully, you will see that behind the actual lessons are three crucial components of a life lived in balance and harmony: DISCIPLINE, MANNERS, and ACCEPTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S ACTIONS.
Your comments will add value to the post…are these the lessons you have taught your children?
Stop by tomorrow for a closer look at Lesson #1: NO FIGHTING
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This is excellent and the photo is priceless… It would be a blessing if people could learn this… Shame really ,as there is so much thoughtlessness in the world. Hope you didn’t mind my adding your name to my latest post. 🙂
Eliz
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Glad you liked the post…and I am honored that you included me. 🙂
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I agree, those are five great lessons, which in my days 1940-50s were taught by our parents, times have changed if parents can’t teach it then it up the teachers. Hope it is taught to them one day very soon.
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These five as well as the “Golden Rule” that used to be taught in school: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” are timeless and should be part of every child’s education.
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Really wish I’m real life she really exist………
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In my classes, I always tell the kids to work as a team and talk in a calm manner. No angry voices. Joan ramirez
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That’s great advice, Joan!
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While the parents I know are overwhelmed with the duties of family we tend to kick the can down the road. It would be nice if children could learn to love and practice these values then they would engulf us all.
Thanks for your time!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Ronald…I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since I wrote it…but honestly, it is just as relevant today as it was then.
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I just found this post and wanted to comment. The first three I use along with the Golden rule for my two young childrrn. The next two I’m adding because it brings in elements of character. It asks them to stand strong, try, and have faith in yourself and your abilities. I’ve never seen Nanny McPhee but think I’ll be watching it soon. Thank you for your post.
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i’m so glad you found the post helpful! And hurray that you were already using the first three. It seems so simple, so logical, so commonsense, right?
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It does! Time to expand on them!
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I disagree with most of this parenting premise, particularly as it emasculates young boys. Boys and men tend to use conflict to resolve issues and engaging in a reasonable amount of controlled conflict and aggression is perfectly fine.
When it comes to sharing, again, boys aren’t going to share arbitrarily. They will share with those who have earned their respect and affection.
Some children prefer to perform certain tasks by themselves, by forcing them to work together you’re reinforcing the idea that by themselves, they are somehow lacking.
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