11 Lessons on How to Be Mary Poppins
This magically magnificent nanny is chock full of greatness. Her thoughts on putting away toys, for example, is what dreams are made of. We’ve gathered some lessons below on how you can make an effort to be more like this truly lovely lady.
1. Metaphors are your friends.
“Sometimes a person we love, through no fault of his own, can’t see past the end of his nose.” What a nice way of saying “people are oblivious” while still being whimsical and charming. And “that’s a piecrust promise; easily made, easily broken” is pure genius.
2. Always be prepared.
Lamp? Check. Mirror? Check. Hatstand? Check. Wildly accurate tape measure featuring names of Banks children? Check.
3. Subvert expectations.
Anyone can slide down a banister. Up? That’s a new one. It’s good not to be too predictable.
4. Pick your friends very carefully.
Without Bert, we shudder to think what this story would have been. He’s the introduction, the person who drew the chalk pavement pictures, the catalyst for Jolly Holiday, the chimney sweep who saves a scared Jane and Michael from being lost in London, and the one who sells the kites in the last scene. Way to go on the friend-choosing, Mary.
5. Never judge things by their appearance.
Even carpetbags. We’re sure Mary Poppins never would.
6. Appreciate the joy of a Jolly Holiday.
Dancing penguins and a ride on a merry-go-round are just the kind of simple delights that make life worth living.
7. Dress the part.
Each Mary outfit is as impeccable as the next, and every one is situationally appropriate. Take note, friends.
8. Have a cheery disposition.
There’s a reason this made Jane and Michael’s list of nanny requirements. Didn’t your parents ever tell you that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar?
9. Read the room.
Singing “Stay Awake” to sleepy kids? Way to nail that reverse psychology, Mary.
10. Choose your words carefully.
Mary always seems to know what to say. And when she doesn’t? Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
11. Say it with us: a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
Remember, it’s the sweetest things in life that make the less-than-sweet things seem liveable.
Dal Web MARY POPPINS (1964)
Lesson n 4.
Pick your friends very carefully
