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Imaginative Play and the Little Mermaid Cash/DVD Giveaway!

by 168 Comments

 

Encouraging young girls through imaginative play Do you ever stop to think about how you encourage your children to follow their dreams, particularly when they’re very young and so reliant on you?  I think, as parents, we’d all agree that we want our kids to grow up confident and happy and “to be all they can be.”  But what actions do we take to help them along their way?  We recently received a special edition copy of Disney’s The Little Mermaid movie and I automatically started doing my thing – I pulled out my supply bins with items used for mermaid birthday parties we’ve hosted.  Wouldn’t it be extra special to have a Little Mermaid viewing party with props? The Little Mermaid And snacks? Encouraging young girls through imaginative play And mermaid outfits? The Little Mermaid I did some quick sewing and a lazy afternoon came along where we got to hang out and watch the movie.  The girls were beyond excited to wear their mermaid outfits while they watched.  Even though they’ve seen the beloved classic in the past, they were once again captivated by the characters and story line. Encouraging young girls through imaginative play As the movie was winding down, the girls started playing.  They took the fishing net off the table, dug seashells out of the bins, carefully placed goldfish crackers around the room, and created a whole imaginary world. Encouraging young girls through imaginative play They played for several hours, acting out scenarios from The Little Mermaid, transforming into different characters, and making up their own scenes. That’s when it struck me – developing their imaginations and experimenting through role play is a WONDERFUL way for my girls to try out and find their inner voice, to develop their self-confidence. Perhaps providing props and snacks and costumes is my way of encouraging my little people to follow their dreams.  Do you think? If you like making costumes for your kids, too, you can find the 30-minute mermaid skirt tutorial here.   30-minute Mermaid Skirt Tutorial Now that you have your costumes ready, why not plan a special afternoon with your kids to watch The Little Mermaid – It will be available for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack and HD Digital October 1st. Click here to order your copy of The Little Mermaid. And now for the giveaway!!  For your chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card and a Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack, please tell me:

How do you encourage your children to follow their dreams?

 

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry””; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post”
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/9/13 – 10/15/13.
Be sure to visit the Disney’s Little Mermaid page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

 

Comments

  1. Tiffany says

    I encourage my two year old to follow her dreams by giving her many opportunities for open ended play and taking her to different parks, play areas, and outings to the zoo. When I see that something sparks her interest, I give her more opportunities to explore and experience it.

    Reply

  2. kristin says

    Not commenting for the giveaway…just have to say you are the best mom! Your girls are so lucky–movie props and snacks to match–seriously? That and you have my rug!!! I did make an ariel outfit for my daughter when she was young for Halloween. Like all the Halloween outfits (but one–leopard outfit required a full pattern–ugh!) I winged it. (My favorite–the felt, rick rack, and glue gun clown outfit!!) I used shimmery green fabric, slim fit, with a small slit up the front. Now here is the total make it up as you go. I created a tail, stuffed it, and sewed it to the back in the upright position. Then made a “bikini” top with purple sparkle material. That outfit was worn to SHREDS by two little girls who LOVED dress up and acting out scenes! Oh, and a white turtleneck was worn under the top to school 🙂

    Reply

  5. Matt Stringham says

    We encourage our girls by telling them that they are beautiful and smart. We tell them that no dream is too big.

    Reply

  6. Mami2jcn says

    My daughter, who just turned 4 a few days ago, loves art and music so I encourage her to be creative and I have her enrolled in ballet class.

    Reply

  8. Tami Vollenweider says

    I encouraged my son to follow his dreams,by letting him participate in any activity in school that HE wanted to do! Many times I felt maybe it wasn’t for him,but i knew it was his decision!

    Reply

  11. Jessamyn hawkins says

    I play along with my children when they are being imaginative. It thrills them and helps them believe that they really can be anything!
    I loved The Little Mermaid as a little girl and still do! Those skirts are awesome.
    Thanks.

    Reply

  12. Kristin PG says

    I have tried to watch my 4 year old carefully and determine what kinds of things interest her. For example, she taught herself how to do a cartwheel/roundoff by watching some youtube videos, so we are signing her up for a gymnastics class in the fall.

    Reply

  13. Lindsay says

    My daughter has a loooooong list of what she wants to do when she grows up. I just keep encouraging her to work hard at it! (One day I am sure the list will whittle down a bit but until then, I am not doing that for her).

    Reply

  16. kaholly says

    Delightful post! I love Disney!! We were frequent visitors there when my daughter was growing up. I encouraged her to follow her dreams by exposing her to everything I could. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we sure had a lot of fun adventures and learning experiences. As a single mom on a very tight shoestring, my hope was to lead by example and show her that ‘the world was her oyster’!

    Reply

  17. Kristie says

    Miss M dreams of being a prima ballerina. So we enrolled her in dance class even though ballet makes my head want to explode.

    Reply

  18. Keith W says

    I think it’s important not to limit a child unnecessarily – I try never to tell a child not to do something without also explaining the reasons for the restriction.

    Reply

  22. Barbara P. says

    I encourage my children in everything that interests them and let them know there is no limit to what they can be or do.

    Great mermaid skirts… Love that movie.

    Reply

  25. Leslie G says

    I encourage my children to follow their dreams by telling them that with hard work nothing is impossible. I always have them dream and plan how to reach those dreams. Even if they are just silly ways right now.

    Reply

  26. Michele C says

    I encourage my little ones to follow their dreams by not discouraging their imagination. My little girl wants to be a lion when she grows up. I tell her that she can be whatever her little heart desires and let her be young and inventive.

    Reply

  30. Beth says

    We do a lot of imaginative play, too! Either in her kitchen, play dough, or dress-ups. But my favorite thing is reading together!

    Reply

  32. Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says

    Those mermaid skirts are ADORABLE! I encourage my little one to explore the world and constantly learn, which has helped with his understanding and words (he’s 15 mo).

    Reply

  35. D SCHMIDT says

    We encourage our children to find their own voices through play, imagination and most importantly through showing love. My younger son has such a sense of freedom to be himself that he breaks into dance wherever he is! We want them to know they can be anything they want to be if they work hard enough and follow their dreams.

    Reply

  37. Stephanie A says

    My kids are still young but we like to encourage imaginative play and I hope to let them try as many activities as possible!

    Reply

  39. Karen says

    I love imaginative play. I think the best way to inspire it let your child take the lead. As adults we have lost some of that “no holds barred” playing. If we let them play and watch and play along, their imaginations grow!

    Reply

  41. deanna says

    Their grandpa used to tell a story about people who worked at amusement parks measuring him ad telling him he was too short to ride the rides. So he’d stand up as straight as he could with good posture and he’d be 2 inches taller and able to go on the ride. When one of us gets tired and wants to quit, we yell “Two more inches” to encourage them. Because their dream is only 2 inches out of reach sometimes and we just need to stretch ourselves a little to reach it, but it’s totally worth it. IT WORKS FOR US.
    xo

    Reply

  44. Kim Henrichs says

    Aw those skirts are super cute!! I think it’s important to let kids express their creativity. If they want to pursue something, don’t deny them. All of my kids love to write and do story telling. So we have always had little “living room” theater here.

    Reply

  45. Jessica Lodge says

    First and foremost I tell them that they can do and be anything they want in life, as long as they are willing to work for it. Second I put them in activities that interest them like sports or dance. Lastly I try to always have things in the house that encourage creativity like costumes, art supplies, and musical instruments.

    Reply

  47. LadyVampire says

    I try to help kids follow their dreams through encouragement. I am always complimenting and never critiquing. If they draw outside the lines..I think of it as a unique statement. 🙂 I am forever encouraging my little cousins and such. It’s fun to see their imaginations take flight.

    Reply

  50. Erika says

    I never tell my daughter something she wants to do is impossible. And she’s smart enough that I don’t believe anything is anyway. 🙂

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  51. Neiddy says

    We tell our kids that with God everything is possible. Their dreams will come to pass if they trust in the Lord and keep a positive attitude about it. Sure sometimes it will be a bit harder than others but if they do their best and never give up then they will be what God created them to be

    Reply

  53. K. Finn says

    I believe the best way is to tell stories about other people who have done great things, especially when they had to overcome obstacles. Try to do this with history, as well as with family or other personal (friends, teachers, neighbors…) stories.

    Reply

  54. Janice Cooper says

    Being supportive, positive and encouraging and always speaking positive words. Its so important to let them know nothing is impossible.

    Reply

  59. Amy Tong says

    I wish I can sew like that. I know my little girl would love a mermaid dress like this, so pretty. I’m going to check out the tutorial and give it a try. I always encourage my kids to try out different things, and if they like certain things more, try to learn more about it whenever they have a chance. Follow their heart and never give up in following their dreams.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply

  63. Kerry says

    I just make sure my kids know that I will help them in any way to pursue what their dreams are. And those mermaid skirts are soooo cute!

    Reply

  69. Leigh says

    Giving them the resources to try out different things that they are interested in and the time to pursue them. I homeschool my kids so they are given the opportunity to find things that really interest them. They wanted to make money so we have had a successful lemonade stand for the last 4 years. They have made around a hundred dollars each year. They learned by hard work that they can attain their dreams.

    Reply

  75. Tamar says

    Those mermaid outfits are incredible!

    I let them do just about whatever they please but I do limit them and make sure I know what they are doing.

    Reply

  78. Misty Battle says

    I encourage my kids through love and support. I help them achieve their dreams and stand behind them 100%

    Reply

  82. Anastasia says

    I encourage my kids to follow their dreams by supporting their ideas and the things they want to do. We work together to find a way to make the things happen that they want. At the same time, we instill realistic limits. We can’t fly into today, but if we study hard and work at it, we can get into NASA in the future and fly to space then 🙂 You can have what you want, you just have to find a way to make it happen 🙂

    Reply

  86. sarah hirsch says

    I encourage them to follow their dreams by signing them up for activities they are interested in, and letting them know they can pursue anything they want to

    Reply

  87. Barbara M says

    I encourage the kids at a young age to try new things.
    And I tell them that all things are possible.
    Thank you.

    Reply

  94. Maria Iemma says

    unfortunately due to my parent’s illness I had to go to work and help support the family and my dream of becoming a physician was lost. I have encouraged my kids to follow whatever dreams they may have, to be focused and anything is possible if you work hard and be consistent in your behavior to do what you always wanted to do. I lead by example and I am currently enrolled in school to get my degree and hopefully med school will be in my future.

    Reply

  96. Sandra says

    We encourage our children to try new things, to follow through with commitments, and to always try their best.

    Reply

  102. Paula Michele Hafner says

    I support them, encourage their creativity, and try to give them the best tools that they need to follow their dreams and interest.

    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

    Reply

  103. Rachel says

    I always encourage my baby girl to follow her dreams by making sure I give opportunities to find out what she loves and who she is. Maybe taking her on trips to a museum or to simple places that will expand her mind 🙂

    Reply

  105. Norma says

    We always encouraged and supported our daughter’s dreams and let her know nothing was out of reach if she put her mind to it!

    Reply

  106. LAMusing says

    I don’t have kids, but my parents always encouraged and applauded my interests. And later as a young adult, I did indeed follow my dreams 🙂

    Reply

  110. Francine Anchondo says

    I encourage them to give everything a try once and if they like it then we stick with it and try to help them reach their goal or dream.

    Reply

  112. joni says

    Unlike my parents, I let my daughter join different groups and tryout for different events. My daughter use to be a wallflower and is now very outgoing. She got this way after auditioning and starring in several plays. I encourage her by working with her in these events and by praising her work.

    Reply

  113. Robin Wilson says

    I encourage my little great-niece to use her imagination! She love to dress-up like a princess every day and says that she want to be a princess when she grows up! I never tell her no, I tell her anything is possible!

    zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  116. Stephanie Larison says

    I encourage her to follow her interests, she knows she can do anything she wants to through hard work. And anything that is truely something you want is worth it.

    Reply

  118. Lauren Flynn says

    My 25 yo daughter’s first- and favorite!- disney movie. We watch it twice a year to remember her childhood and the message that you can be your own person despite what your parents want!

    Reply

  122. Jen says

    I make sure both my kids know that we support them in life, no matter what, they will always have cheerleaders from me and my husband.

    Reply

  126. Lisa Garner says

    I encourage my children to follow their dreams by supporting them in all their in school and after school activities and helping suggest new activities to inspire them.
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  128. crystal smith says

    I encourage my boys to follow their dreams by praising their ideas and helping them find the tools they need to complete them. I try to remind them that it can take a lot of hard work and dedication to reach our goals but its worth it once we get there 🙂

    Reply

  129. Jennifer says

    I may not always agree with the choices my children make, but no matter what, I support them and they know they can always count on me to be their cheerleader!

    Reply

  133. Susan Smith says

    I encourage my daughter to follower her dreams by making her believe she is capable of anything and everything

    Reply

  136. Lauren Harmon says

    I currently have no children, although I very much hope that we will be blessed soon. In the mean time, I’m in school to become a teacher and plan to encourage my students to follow their dreams… I will encourage them to work on their weaknesses nicely and will definitely support them in their strengths and encourage them to truly grow within these strengths. I love those skirts you made for your girls, too cute!

    Reply

  137. Tim A says

    I try to encourage my boys through example. I always try to show them that the only thing that can hold them back is their own imagination. If they believe in something than their is always a way to make it happen they just have to want it enough to make that dream come true.

    Reply

  138. melikegarfield says

    Each kid is unique, but when they find something that evolves past the temporary interest we explain to them how they can expand their exploration of the topic.

    Reply

  139. susan smoaks says

    I have always encouraged our children to dream big and reach for the stars. When they find something they like we all focus our attention on it as to help them follow their dreams!

    Reply

  140. Mary Somerville says

    I love to share stories of inspirational people, who have followed through,no matter what, and made their dreams reality. I try to expose them to as many activities as possible. I do all I can to let them further explore what interests them. I want them to be, and find themselves, and let them know that- And that I love who they are.

    Reply

  142. angie lilly says

    Let them know that everyone is different and everyone has to find their own life path regardless of what you have done with your life or what people look at as normal. It is OK to be different and find your own path no matter what anyone else says.

    Reply

  145. Buddy Garrett says

    We make opportunities available for our daughter to find things she is interested in. We encourage her to explore things she may have an interest in.

    Reply

  146. Michelle Tucker says

    We give them ample opportunity to learn new and interesting things so that they can follow their dreams.
    michelletucker at baconnation dot net

    Reply

  153. Caitlin McClure says

    I plan on unschooling, letting them learn what they like and focus on their passions instead of forcing them to do things they aren’t interested in

    Reply

  156. Ellie W says

    I encourage my boys to follow their hearts and try to achieve their dreams. I let them know it’s okay to fail sometimes, because the only true failure is to never have tried.

    Reply

  160. meme says

    By helping them to believe in their self and that with a lot of practice and hard work they can accomplish anything

    Reply

  161. tina reynolds says

    I let them know anything is possible if they believe in it and that I believe in them and will always be behind them.

    Reply

  165. lala ramos says

    I encourage my son to be as creative as he can be. I give him ideas and he puts on his own and from their he plays with them until he creates really unique things he have fun with.

    Reply

    • girlinspired says

      Hey Jenny, It’s been quite a few years, but I think I got it at Michael’s (take a coupon, it was more expensive than I expected, if I remember correctly.) Good luck!

      Reply

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