During my first pregnancy, my thoughtful aunt surprised me with delightful care packages every trimester. Each box was filled with gifts for me and my little one. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I opened the first package, revealing a tiny onesie that read “Muggle.” It was the perfect addition to my baby’s wardrobe, embodying my love for all things nerdy.
As a dedicated fangirl, I’m proud to say that my enthusiasm for pop culture is a family tradition. From Harry Potter to Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and beyond, my interests are deeply rooted. While some families bond over sports teams or college loyalties, our household is united by a shared passion for musical theater and the magical world of “The Boy Who Lived.”
My children will undoubtedly grow up embracing their inner nerds, and I couldn’t be happier. While other parents might eagerly anticipate their child’s first bike ride or tee-ball game, I’m counting down the days until I can introduce my kids to the epic saga of A New Hope. And let me be clear: Episode I – The Phantom Menace will not be part of our viewing schedule while they’re under my roof.
When it comes to birthday celebrations, I’m not a fan of extravagant parties that require endless planning and crafting. I prefer a simple venue where kids can run wild, devour pizza, and enjoy cake without the stress of DIY decorations. However, when my children turn 11, prepare for an all-out Harry Potter extravaganza—complete with Hogwarts letters, lightning bolt decorations, and homemade butterbeer that will surely lead to some wild moments.
But what if my children decide they’re not interested in my beloved franchises? Surely, they can explore other interests, but why would they want to? The best adventures and stories are right here, waiting for them. After all, many of these tales have been transformed into engaging Lego video games. Who wouldn’t want to dive into that?
When I immerse myself in these stories, the joy and nostalgia flood my senses. The only exception is Game of Thrones, which often leaves me feeling like a wreck as my favorite characters meet their untimely fates. Yet, the allure of the gripping plots keeps drawing me back. That’s the kind of passion I hope to instill in my kids regarding the art they cherish.
While I’ve never been into sports, I imagine this is similar to the fervor some have for their favorite teams. But let’s be honest—lightsabers and wands are far cooler. The beauty of sharing my nerdy interests with my kids is that it becomes a collective experience. If my child chooses to dress up as Luke Skywalker for Halloween, you can bet I’ll throw on a Chewbacca costume while my partner dons a Han Solo outfit. Nerd culture has become so mainstream that there are countless family-friendly events, from Renaissance fairs to quidditch matches on college campuses. There’s even Star Wars day on Disney cruises—it’s a nerd’s paradise!
Though my oldest is only 4, he’s already dipping his toes into the world of fandom. He has adorable lightning bolt pants he proudly calls his Harry Potter pants and enjoys watching brief clips from the films, especially when quidditch is involved. Plus, my insistence on playing the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat has paid off; just the other morning, he surprised me by climbing into bed and singing his favorite tunes. It was a moment that melted my heart.
The camaraderie some families feel while cheering for their sports teams is the same kind of togetherness I envision for my family as we don our Hogwarts robes for epic movie marathons or plan trips to the Wizarding World. Picture us all proudly representing our house colors—me in Slytherin, my partner in Gryffindor, and the kids in anything but Hufflepuff (because, let’s face it, no child of mine will ever be a Hufflepuff).
As my children grow, they will be surrounded by books, toys, and all the magical paraphernalia that comes with being a fan. We will bond over our shared love for these stories as a family—a joyful bunch of nerds who revel in our passions.
In summary, I am excited to pass down my love for fandom to my children, fostering a sense of community and joy in our shared experiences. From Harry Potter to Star Wars, our family will embrace the nerdy life together. For those interested in learning more about parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy, or explore at-home insemination kits here.