Creator of the Muppets and creative genius Jim Henson died 29 years ago this week. He is still very missed, but his work, characters and positive messages live on. His words of wisdom and insight also endure, and I’ve found Jim Henson’s thoughts on parenting to be helpful. Here are some favorite quotes.
I know I’m often all about the teachable moment, but this quote is such an important reminder that what we do matters far more than what we say:
“The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” – Jim Henson
More thoughts on forgiveness, including of our children and ourselves:
“Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.”
This one bring me comfort when I think of our kids growing up so quickly. Inside, they are still children, and may that always be the case:
“The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children.”
This quote is from Henson’s letter to his children, which was published after his death:
“Life is meant to be fun, and joyous, and fulfilling. May each of yours be that — having each of you as a child of mine has certainly been one of the good things in my life. Know that I’ve always loved each of you with an eternal, bottomless love. A love that has nothing to do with each other, for I feel my love for each of you is total and all-encompassing. Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody.”
On optimism, something that seems in short supply of late:
“If our ‘message’ is anything, it’s a positive approach to life. That life is basically good. People are basically good.”
This reminds me that time together as a family with no set plans can be a very good thing:
“No time is wasted time”
A reminder to lighten up:
“Here’s some simple advice: Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament.”
And this is from a letter to his friends:
“Have a wonderful time in life, everybody.”
On the impact he hoped to have:
“When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there.”
