Tuesday, April 26, 2016

10 times Ryan Reynolds used Twitter jokes to teach valuable, yet dark, parenting lessons.

Parenting requires a sense of humor. Bonus points for keeping it real.

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FACT: Ryan Reynolds is a dad. And he tweets.

If you aren't familiar with Mr. Reynolds, he most recently played the delightfully plucky superhero, Deadpool, who does killer stand-up comedy sets while simultaneously taking down bad guys and gals left and right. If that doesn't jog your memory, then this is what you need to know: In 2012, Reynolds married "Gossip Girl" actress Blake Lively, and in 2014, the pair had a daughter they named James (after his late father). 

The thing about parenting is — well, one thing anyway — is that you really need to keep a sense of humor to survive it. I think of it as a several-years-long science experiment, with velociraptors testing the fences — velociraptors that will sometimes be testing your wits, your patience, and your sanity. It will be both delightful (I helped create a new living thing that didn't exist before! Thanks, science!) and challenging (Oh god, they are trying to kill and eat me!). 

But the point remains: Having a sense of humor is key. 

So here are 10 of the best parenting lessons from Ryan Reynolds, celebrity parent tweeter.

A new father chooses an unproductive way to express that he's tired. GIF from "Deadpool."

1. It's important to teach your kids to use their imaginations!

2. It's also important to read to them every night.

3. There will be moments when you realize you have no idea what you are doing.

4. Sometimes lack of sleep and relentless crying might push you to the edge.

The tweet he was responding to, by the way? 

Speaking from my own parenting experience, if you feel overwhelmed, can't stop your kid from crying, and/or need a break, it's totally OK to put them down in their crib and walk out of the room for a bit. In fact, that is far preferable to whatever that window-cage contraption is. 

5. Don't judge your own parenting skills based on how fast other kids have advanced.

6. Kids are like sponges. They learn fast. They'll get there with time.

That's for diaper changes, not for Tinder, I'm pretty sure.

7. Have patience. Stay calm. The things kids do to break you now will come back around some day.

8. Life doesn’t stop just because you have kids. In fact, sometimes life means putting yourself first, so you can take care of your kids later.

Your kids will have a more patient parent next time if you have a little time out to take care of yourself. It's not weakness. It's knowing your limits. So be unapologetic and ask a family member or close friend to guard the inmates for a bit.

9. No matter how much we joke, it's important to remember we'll do anything for our kids. Well, almost anything.

10. Sometimes you'll get it right. Sometimes you'll get it wrong. Just always be there for them. That's what's most important.

Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. Your tweets are basically changing lives.

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You can learn more about why he named his daughter "James" here. Also, you should go see "Deadpool" when you have the chance. Share image by Gage Skidmore



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