Guest Author - Erika Krull

Mary Poppins is a modern-day nanny living in a traditional era. She is a whirlwind, a breath of fresh air, and full of surprises. Nearly everyone has seen or at least heard something from this popular timeless movie. Well-known songs such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” have added delightful memories to many children over the years. But have you taken a moment to consider what the modern family message of the movie really is?

The basic plot is centered on a family where the parents take most of their time to pursue their own interests, leaving the direct care of their son (Michael) and daughter (Janie) in the hands of a nanny most of the time. The mother, Mrs. Banks, is cheerful and polite with their children. The father, Mr. Banks is firm and direct. It is clear they seem somewhat detached, not well tuned to the details and needs of their children from day to day. They seem to want good things for their children, but they don’t take much of a hands-on approach. In turn, Janie and Michael are very misbehaved, running off to the park on their own, tricking and ignoring their nannies, leaving the parents very frustrated.

Despite the details that tell you the story is from a by-gone era, many of the struggles in this family ring very true for parents and children today. Parents are distracted by doing jobs, being involved in lots of committees, doing errands, long commutes, TV time, etc. Children just want loving attention from their parents. The gift of a parent’s time and focus is what they crave.

Some people may think “Mary Poppins” and believe that the movie is all about a family with a nanny. The full message from this classic is that Mary Poppins did things in a way that no nanny before her had. She used humorous confusion, getting the parents slightly off-guard so she could introduce new ideas to them. As the family began to be exposed to her methods, the weaknesses of their relationships became obvious. But here comes the truly amazing part. By shaking things up, she gave the parents an opportunity to step up to the plate and take over the job.

Mr. Banks, in particular, was quite stubborn about certain things being very precise and predictable to his standards. When he was faced with losing his job, his defenses cracked. In a moment of desperation, he recalled a joke his son had told him and it turned his whole outlook around. He laughed uncontrollably and his tension disappeared. He suddenly saw his family in a whole new way, and was immediately able to give his wife and children what they really needed. Not more money, but his attention and presence. He did get his job back, but he had a whole new appreciation for life. And in the wisp of a changing wind, Mary Poppins disappeared because she was no longer needed.

Even though Mary Poppins spends a lot of time singing and carrying on with the children (and Dick Van Dyke, who is phenomenal in this movie), her real efforts are revealed in the end. She shows quite the directness and attention to detail that an “old fashioned nanny” would typically have. But every time I watch the movie, I am surprised again at how clearly different her motives are.

If you haven’t watched this movie in a while, do so soon. It is great fun getting caught up in the catchy songs and the joyful dancing. However, do look for the real gem of the whole movie. It is in the last few minutes of the movies, moments before the wind takes her away from the Banks’ house. Her parrot-head cane talks to her about how the family is happily carrying on, flying kites in front of the house. The parrot snidely remarks how the children seem to think more of their father than of Mary. She smiles with sincerity and quiet satisfaction saying, “That’s as it should be.”