10 powerful parenting tips you never realised Obi-Wan Kenobi taught us

Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars franchise, known for his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the Jedi code – and he has plenty of parenting tips to teach us.

Ok, sure, this is a marked departure from your standard Story of My Life Journal content, but being a good parent is a goal of many of our users – so why not lighten it up a little.

While Obi-Wan may be a fictional character, there are many positive parenting lessons that can be learned from his example.

Let’s glean some of Obi-Wan’s parenting gold.

1. Honesty

One of the most important aspects of positive parenting is honesty. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a shining example of honesty throughout the Star Wars movies. He never hides the truth from those he cares about, even if it may be painful. In fact, he is known for his famous line, “The truth is often what we make of it; you heard what you wanted to hear, believed what you wanted to believe.” This is a great reminder for parents that honesty is the best policy. It’s also a lesson for children to understand that other people’s perspective can change their perception of what is true. It’s important to be truthful with your children, even when it may be difficult. Children learn from the example set by their parents, so being honest sets a great example for them to follow.

2. Accountability

Another important aspect of positive parenting is accountability. Obi-Wan Kenobi exemplifies this by taking responsibility for his actions, even when they may have negative consequences. This is most apparent in his famous line, “I have failed you, Anakin – I have failed you.” Presented with his angry, tantrum-loving apprentice literally falling apart in front of him, Old Man Obi could have let fly with, “What did you do that for?!” Instead, he takes ownership of his role in Anakin’s downfall and eventual evolution into Darth Vader. This is a great reminder for parents that it’s important to take responsibility for their mistakes and shortcomings. Children learn by example, so modelling accountability is an important lesson for them to learn as well.

3. Perseverance

While we’re on the firey planet of Mustafa, Obi-Wan Kenobi has another lesson for us – this time in perseverance. Obi-Wan is known for his persistence and determination in the face of adversity. He never gives up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. This is evident in his famous line, “I have the high ground.” This is a great reminder for parents that perseverance is key. Well, it could also be a lesson in taking the moral high ground, but hey. Parenting can be tough, but it’s important to keep going and never give up.

4. Compassion

Obi-Wan Kenobi is also known for his compassion and empathy. He cares deeply about those around him and is always willing to lend a helping hand. This is evident in his interactions with Luke Skywalker throughout the original trilogy. Even when that whiny little farmboy throws tantrums and sooks like his father before him (“Aww but I was going to go to Toshi with Biggs to pickup some power converters!”). It’s important to show empathy and kindness towards your (whiny) children, and to help them whenever you can.

5. Respect

Obi-Wan Kenobi exemplifies the importance of respect. He treats everyone around him with respect, regardless of their background or status. How does he best demonstrate this? Enter: Jar Jar Binks. You try and tell me that when faced with the real The Phantom Menace that you wouldn’t have been tempted to try out your latest lightsabre takedown move! It’s important to treat your children with respect, and to teach them to treat others with respect as well.

6. Perspective

Obi-Wan Kenobi is known for his unique perspective on the world around him. He sees things from a different angle and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. This is evident in his famous line, “What I told you was true, from a certain point of view.” It’s important to consider different points of view and to encourage your children to do the same.

7. Loyalty

Obi-Wan is also known for his loyalty to the Jedi order and to those he cares about. This is evident in his actions throughout the Star Wars movies, particularly in his determination to protect Luke Skywalker from harm. However, that’s the easy part. The hard part is having their back, even with others who we respect. Remember when Luke lobs on Yoda’s doorstep with his bratty attitude and the little green man initially refuses to train him? Obi-Wan is right there … well, in ghost voice form … to have his back, countering every one of Yoda’s arguments. The boy has no patience – “He will learn patience”. He’s too impulsive – “So was I, if you remember”. Be loyal to your children and to stand by them, even when things get tough.

8. Consideration

Kenobi is a considerate character who is not quick to judge others and he is willing to accept the galaxy comprises nuance. This is evident in his famous line, “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” This statement reflects the importance of considering other people’s views and understanding that life is not always black and white. It’s a great reminder for parents to teach their children to be considerate of others, even when they disagree with them. Encouraging children to see the world through a lens of empathy and understanding can help them build strong relationships and navigate the complexities of life. As a parent, it’s important to model this kind of consideration for your children. When you encounter a disagreement or conflict, take the time to listen to the other person’s perspective and try to understand where they’re coming from. Encourage your children to do the same and to avoid making snap judgments about people or situations. By teaching your children to be considerate of others, you can help them develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion that will serve them well throughout their lives.

9. Independence

Obi-Wan values independence, which he stamps with authority all over Han’s forehead with, “Who’s more foolish, The Fool, or The Fool who follows him?” This statement reflects the importance of being your own person and not blindly following the crowd. As a parent, it’s important to encourage your children to think for themselves and to develop their own opinions and values. Teaching children to be independent can be challenging, as it involves striking a balance between providing guidance and support while also giving them space to make their own choices. However, by modelling independence and self-reliance yourself, you can help your children develop these skills and attitudes. Encourage your children to explore their interests, take risks, and make their own decisions (with appropriate guidance, of course). By doing so, you can help them develop the confidence and self-assurance they need to navigate the world on their own terms.

10. Self-Belief

Obi-Wan’s faith and self-belief is self-evident, but if we had to pick one line that demonstrates it, it’d be the reassurance to Luke that “The force will be with you – always”, reflecting the importance of having faith in oneself and in the universe. As a parent, it’s important to teach your children to trust in their own abilities and to have faith in their own path. Encourage your children to set goals and work towards them, even when things get difficult. Help them understand that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning process, and that they can use these experiences to grow and improve. By instilling a sense of self-belief in your children, you can help them develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed in life.

Of course, this post was written with a fair bit of tongue firmly in cheek, but there’s also many positive parenting lessons that can be learned from the great Obi-Wan Kenobi’s example.

Whether it’s honesty and accountability, perseverance or compassion, parents can be a model for their children and help them develop into strong, confident, and compassionate individuals.

So, as you continue your parenting journey, just remember, “The Force will be with you – always.”

All credit to Disney for any Star Wars-related references.