There is a new commercial on television. I’m not sure I can recall another that I more vehemently agree with, at least in recent years. The irony is, this ad is for a vehicle. And, while I have absolutely no interest in the car itself, I loved the sentiment.
You can view the entire ad here, on YouTube. Though it did not come directly to mind, upon researching the topic, I came to found it was for a Volkswagen Atlas.
“There is nothing more important than the education of a young mind,” says the voiceover as two children, complete in school uniforms, dash out of the school halls and into the family vehicle. “Except, maybe being first in line at the grand opening of the world’s largest roller coaster.”
The ad concludes with mom and dad giving each other approving smiles, a high-five, and then pull off. The children are later seen enjoying said roller coaster, screaming and holding their hands up, smiling ear-to-ear.
Again, ads are created to help and sell a product. They keep a brand in your mind, portray an image of a car. I will not likely ever afford a VW product, as they tend to be priced out of our family’s range. And, let us not forget they did supply cars to the Third Reich, not to mention some epic emission scandals. They were not always exactly the “people’s car” they aimed to be.
But today’s Americans likely far more think of them as the producers of the cute little hippy cars, like “The Bug” and the van. Perhaps of movies like “The Love Bug,” with the darling little Herbie, donning the number 53 come to mind.
More recently, the company aims to compete with other American vehicle makers, and attempt to appeal to the American values and priorities. If that truly is their aim, I have to admit: I’m hooked. If I could afford one, I might just because of this ad.
So, why do I think this is so great? I love the concept. In short, they are reminding folks that, while of course there is a very crucial need for education, and of course it is of utmost importance most of the time, it isn’t the end-all-be-all. It is not the only thing.
Instead, children (and far more often parents) need to be reminded that hard work and education is not all life is about. It is also about things like love, and happiness, fun, and memories. You cannot simply work yourself to the bone, each and every day, without breaks.
Albeit in a far creepier way, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) finds out the hard way that “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy,” in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” I certainly hope that an entire winter of isolation is not what is required for most to learn the same lesson. Instead, take the lesson that the German car-makers are offering at far less a cost.
Kids need breaks. Kids need fun. Just like adults, they can’t just keep their noses to the grind and work, work, work. Sometimes, they need mental health days. I think it is absolutely within a parents’ rights, even if the school district doesn’t always agree, to allow for such days. I think even further, they should encourage the use of them.
Of course, I want my children to focus on their education. I want them to perform their very best. I want them to strive to be the best “he” and “she” they can! But, I more importantly want them to be happy humans. I want them to love and smile. I want them to relax and enjoy life. I want them to find peace.
In my opinion, if we aren’t having such enjoyments, then why bother? What is it all for? If we just work, work, work, how can we possibly think life is worth it? To me, the absolute point of an education, of a job, of a family in general, is love and happiness. And, even if the daily routine of said job (or in a child’s role: education) is not so fun, it should be a means to get to the fun. It certainly should not prevent it.
Of course, too, there is the real world. One cannot simply skip school each day, or play hooky from work too often. The districts have rules, and one cannot miss typically more than 10 days in a school year without a doctor’s note or excuse. Still, that’s ten days that, if used wisely, could certainly include a few mental health days. And, I’m sure your boss or workplace has its own rules that are far stricter even.
Still, focus on what makes you happy. And if getting to the world’s largest coaster opening is your idea of a truly awesome and fun time, then do it! Take a break.
Kids can catch up. Adults can make up work. I promise, it’ll all be there the next day. As a comical (albeit serious) meme currently circulating the social media sites states, “Don’t work too hard. Remember, when you die, your job posting will be up before your obituary.” It is sad, but also probably true.
My research on this ad also turned up another version, which jokingly makes an excuse that “poor Uncle Edward” has died so many times, alluding that the parents use a dead relative excuse when getting their kids out of class.
While I can’t condone lying, and personally think faking a dead relative (even if they don’t truly exist) is a scary venture likely to conduce the wrath of karma, I do get it. That version of the ad does not show in America. It was pulled from most stations, as it was found to be in “too poor of taste.”
Again, I’d not lie. But, I also understand parents’ needs to make such excuses. Districts don’t exactly allow you to simply say “sorry, I’m letting little Johnnie stay in his underwear today” as an excused absence. If it were up to me, mental health day, would be a designated and useful excuse, that each and every student and teacher would be required to use two of each school year. But, then again, I’m not the boss of the districts.
But, I am, however, the boss of my own kiddos. And, until such mental health dates are mandated, I’m sure they won’t be excused. I’m also sure I don’t care. My children deserve them. They will get them. I will find ways to make sure it is even done in accordance with the law. But, it will be done.
I encourage you too to find ways to take the break; for you and your kids. We all need them. We all deserve them. Find ways to make it happen. You shouldn’t need me or Volkswagen to tell you so! Enjoy!
See also:
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Montco Mommy: Caring For Oneself Allows The Caring For Others
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