Just Keep Going

I BINGE-WATCHED "GILMORE GIRLS" WITH MY 8-YEAR-OLD, AND HERE’S WHAT SHE LEARNED

''Thanks to Netflix, I was able to finally understand why there is a cult following bowing at the altar of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. After screening a few episodes of Gilmore Girls on my own, I invited my 8-year-old daughter to join me — and she was immediately hooked.

It became our special time together. We’d settle in for an episode or two at a time and talk about what was happening as we watched it (with only an occasional shout of “EARMUFFS” or “CLOSE YOUR EYES” at age-inappropriate moments). As with all great TV we’ve enjoyed together, the stories resonated with us, the emotions hit us, and the characters became a reference point in our conversations, meaning this fun escape turned into a great opportunity for me as a mom.

Right now my little girl is slowly being released into the world to make her own way in life. I’ve been laying the framework for years to help her build a path that takes her wherever it is that makes her happy. Now, what mom says is one thing, but watching examples unfold for her beloved characters onscreen as they make their choices is another. We’re not bystanders in our lives, we’re the ones who can make it better or worse for ourselves through the decisions we make along the way...''

by KIM BONGIORNO