Parenting like Optimus Prime

The blockbuster movie today is Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third installment of the live action run of the popular 80s cartoon Transformers. Almost every child of the 80s knew about Transformers.

When researching a parenting topic for this week I came across a great article in USA Today published in 2007 just before the first live-action Transformers was released. In it the author made a connection that struck a chord with me. The creators and actors in the 80s animated series were genius.

The hero of the show, Optimus Prime, leader of the good Transformers who call themselves the Autobots, engenders some ideal father figure traits – integrity, patience, dignity, intelligence and even valuable positive discipline traits kindness and firmness when it came to the Autobots he led.

“As a stoic, stern but forgiving father figure to the little yellow rookie robot known as Bumblebee (a VW bug in its original incarnation, and a Chevy Camaro in the live-action film), Prime never lost his temper, and even in the heat of battle never lost his dignity or desire to preserve the lives on Earth,” the author writes in the article.

I’d add that Optimus also displays incredible belief in the teenager Sam in the live-action films, showing almost more faith in the teen’s abilities and potential than his own father. In a way, it’s very inspiring.

A generation of boys heard Optimus’ smooth, fatherly delivery and idolized the character. Interestingly, the voice of Optimus, Peter Cullen, infused many of these qualities in the character consciously. He drew on his brother’s post-Vietnam persona, one of a calm leader with a sense of honor. A leader shouldn’t lose his temper, but instead lead with calm, firm conviction, he said. Prime is honest, brave and respectful of his power and strength.

Cullen nailed it.

Alternatively, the bad guy, Megatron, leader of the evil Decepticons, is the stereotypical bad parent. An authoritarian, he’s quick to anger, is constantly kicking, hitting, shooting, punching and slapping his charges, and his cruel words are guaranteed to suck the self esteem from the most battle hardened warrior. His often repeated catchphrase to his first in command, “˜Starscream, you have failed me again,’ most certainly hit a chord with kids who struggled for unachievable parental approval.

So while I wouldn’t condone taking kids younger than 13 to the PG-13 live-action franchise, I think there is a lesson in there for us parents from Optimus Prime.

Lead, and parent, with kindness but firmness.

Be gentle and respectful with the great strength we wield.

Show an undying belief in our kids, encouraging them to reach for their potential.

Be very slow to anger, instead choosing to speak calmly with conviction.

Show respect and appreciation.

It’s sometimes odd, sometimes comforting, that I hear Optimus/Cullen’s voice when I’m feeling challenged by the kids. But now it makes all the sense in the world.

And if you have school age kids a little too young for the violence in the movies, there is a current cartoon of the franchise, Transformers: Prime, on cable. The best part? Cullen remains as the voice of Optimus for a whole new generation of kids to idolize.

Tagged as: Positive Discipline, Transformers