There is just something about pirates that appeals to me. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Florida, or maybe it’s their cool swords, hats, and treasure. So when Disney launched The Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, I was first in line to see Johnny Depp light up the screen. I remember watching the movie and hearing his character tell a fellow pirate, “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” Even as a teen, that line made me think about how we only get one life, and we have to make the most of every minute.
I’m not a teen anymore, so movie lines hit me differently. I’ve noticed how many classic one-liners can easily be applied to parenting. Movies include life lessons and memorable quotes we can use with our kids. The next time you sit down for a family movie night, keep your ears open for some movie quotes about parenthood. Until then, here are 13 famous movie quotes we can apply to parenting. Grab your popcorn.
1. “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
Dr. Ian Malcom in Jurassic Park
Just because they can do something doesn’t mean they should. Parents need to remind their kids that sometimes, the potential consequences of their actions aren’t worth the risk.
2. “And why would that stop you from coming to me?”
Lucy Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
This line made me think of all the times my kids may second guess coming to me with something important because of fear of what I may think. I don’t want my kids to think they are letting me down or that I’ll love them less when they mess up. We must always remind our kids they can find safety in us, no matter what they do.
3. “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Uncle Ben in Spiderman
We have the important task of keeping children safe and healthy, instilling values in them, and more. It deserves more than a half-hearted effort. Parents who don’t take their positions of power seriously are in danger of failing their children.
4. “It’s an imperfect world, but it’s the only one we’ve got.”
Tony Stark in Iron Man
Imperfection is part of our human experience and, as parents, we need to stand strong through adversity. Because the world is imperfect, we are going to experience difficulty. Persevering through those times helps us build the skills required to support our kids during their own struggles.
5. “More connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis…”
King T’Challa in Black Panther
“More connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” Our children are watching us and will craft their worldview based on how we treat others. They will learn to do what you do, whether you support strangers’ similarities or dwell on their differences.
6. “No amount of money ever bought a second of time.”
Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame
The allure of wealth and prosperity is like quicksand to many people. We spend so much time working hard to provide and can easily miss out on the moments we can’t get back. Cherish the things money can’t buy—time with the people you love.
7. “There’s no place like home.”
Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
Make your home a desirable place. Fill the walls with family photos. Have game nights. Do movie marathons. Sing silly songs. Play with your kids. Build a safe environment where your children feel seen, loved, and appreciated.
8. “Just keep swimming.”
Dory in Finding Nemo
Over the course of a lifetime, we’ll all endure hardship. Don’t give up. It sets a great example for your children that they can remember when they face their own battles.
9. “…it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
Rocky Balboa in Rocky
It’s OK to fail. Adversity is an opportunity, and your kids are watching how you deal with it.
10. “If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead.”
Chef Gusteau in Ratatouille
Instead of dwelling on mistakes, vow to be a better dad today than yesterday. Spending too much time looking backward can leave us stumbling forward.
11. “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Your life will intersect with tens of thousands of people before you die, and you may influence a few. As a parent, you absolutely will leave a mark on the young people in your home. Make sure it’s a positive one. Every encouraging action, however small it feels, changes the world.
12. “For a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength but by the strength of their heart.”
Zeus in Disney’s Hercules
A soft hug has the power to heal. A shoulder to cry on gets remembered. Don’t ask your muscles to prove to your kids you are a real man. Rely on your heart to do that.
13. “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”
William Wallace in Braveheart
Do what matters and makes life better for the people around you. Generous people experience all that life has to offer because they live for something besides just themselves. Live this way and your kids will notice.
Sound off: What is your favorite movie quote?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Have you ever learned anything from watching a movie?”