Comprehensive Review of Like Arrows (2018) From a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective.
Introduction
Directed by Kevin Peeples, Like Arrows chronicles a 50-year journey of parenting through the lives of a couple, from the joy of their first pregnancy to their 50th wedding anniversary. The film delves into the challenges and triumphs of raising children, highlighting the central role of faith, intentionality, and familial bonds. Inspired by Psalm 127:3-5, Like Arrows is not merely a drama but an initiative designed to inspire and equip parents with practical tools for parenting, anchored in biblical values.
Director: Kevin Peeples
Executive Producers: Alex and Stephen Kendrick
Country: United States
Streaming Platforms: Available on major streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.
Key Themes in the Movie:
- Intentional Parenting: Emphasizing the importance of a deliberate approach to raising children.
- Faith-Centered Family Life: Demonstrating how spiritual grounding shapes parenting.
- Generational Impact: Highlighting the ripple effects of parenting choices on future generations.
Family Strengthening Perspective
From a family-strengthening perspective, Like Arrows effectively illustrates how intentional parenting builds resilience and unity within families. The film portrays the parents’ struggles to navigate various life stages, from infancy and adolescence to adulthood, while staying rooted in their faith. This journey emphasizes the necessity of shared responsibility between spouses and the profound impact of a nurturing environment.
Key Lessons for Families:
- Unity in Parenting: The couple’s teamwork highlights the significance of collaboration in decision-making and conflict resolution.
- Communication is Key: Open dialogue and understanding foster emotional intimacy and trust within the family.
- Faith as a Unifier: Integrating spiritual values provides a foundation for family cohesion and shared purpose.
Like Arrows reinforces the message that strong families form the bedrock of society, and their stability directly impacts the next generation’s well-being.
Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children® Perspective
The film resonates deeply with the principles of securing a safe and supportive environment for children. By portraying a family’s life journey, it underscores the importance of creating a space where children feel valued, protected, and guided.
Key Takeaways:
- Safe Boundaries: Parents are shown actively setting boundaries to protect their children from harmful influences.
- Emotional Support: The consistent display of love, patience, and forgiveness demonstrates the importance of emotional security.
- Parental Role Modeling: The parents’ behavior serves as a template for their children, emphasizing the power of example in shaping values.
- Adaptability: The film shows that even in difficult times, parents can adjust their approaches to align with their children’s needs and challenges.
Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective
Like Arrows aligns with the principles of Rights-Based Parenting®, emphasizing children’s right to nurturing care, autonomy, and spiritual development. The film portrays parenting not as a one-size-fits-all endeavor but as a dynamic process that respects each child’s individuality.
Key Lessons from a Rights-Based Perspective:
- Respecting Individuality: Parents in the film recognize and adapt to their children’s unique personalities and needs, promoting healthy self-expression.
- Empowering Choices: By encouraging their children to take responsibility, the film emphasizes fostering independence and critical thinking.
- Balancing Guidance with Freedom: The couple exemplifies how to provide firm guidance while allowing their children the freedom to learn and grow.
- Spiritual Nurture: The film integrates faith in parenting as a vital aspect of a child’s holistic development, provided it aligns with their evolving identity and choices.
Conclusion
Like Arrows is a deeply moving film that captures the complexities of parenting with authenticity and grace. From a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® perspective, it provides a blueprint for parents to nurture their children intentionally while fostering emotional and spiritual growth. The film’s ultimate message is that parenting is both a privilege and a profound responsibility, one that demands intentionality, love, and adaptability.
