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? 
And snacks? 
And mermaid outfits? 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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?
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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.
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 🙂
Niki says
I encourage my kids to follow their dreams by setting a good example for them to follow!
Kate F. says
I encourage their creativity and let them pursue the things they love.
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.
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.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/377177905823891456
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!
Avellia says
too cute.. love love..
visit mine whenever you had a chance 😀
stay fab,
Miss Aa
Christa says
I give them the freedom at home to use their imaginations. And to not be afraid to try new things!
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.
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.
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).
Jessica w says
letting try a lot of different things!
Jessica w says
I tweeted too
https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/377441506417586176
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’!
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.
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.
Keith W says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/dreddlocke/status/377527482452176896
Jessie C. says
I encourage kids to go for their dreams and passions by supporting their ideas.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/377626901390438400
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.
Tina M says
I encourage them to meet many different children and try many activities, be socialized for the real world
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/378240722823966720
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.
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.
Lisa Brown says
I encourage them by always giving them a positive response and supporting their ideas.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Lisa Brown says
tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/378501999697735681
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Laura says
I let my daughter be herself, she can like cars or princesses. I try to teacher to never settle!
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!
Danielle T says
we try to motivate them to never stop dreaming! they can do whatever they put their minds to!
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).
amy pugmire says
I encourage my daughter by putting her into dance class cause she loves to dance and sing! She loves it
amy pugmire says
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/379480266797887488
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.
D SCHMIDT says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/379773449855463424
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!
beth says
We make sure they know they are loved and supported no matter what they do
[email protected]
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!
Btrflywmn says
I tell my kids to be themselves, don’t worry what other people think. Be kind and be yourself!
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
deanna says
tweet
https://twitter.com/dlw447/status/380148413028782081
xo
Cassandra Eastman says
I tell my children to believe in themselves, and anything is possible!
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.
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.
Jessica Lodge says
https://twitter.com/NYCJesi/status/380563233909637120
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.
LadyVampire says
https://twitter.com/LadyVampire2u/status/380666660127916033
kim burnett says
I encourage my kids to follow their dreams by setting a good example for them and being a good role model.
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
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
Neiddy says
my tweet https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/381049346923302912
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.
Janice Cooper says
Being supportive, positive and encouraging and always speaking positive words. Its so important to let them know nothing is impossible.
Janice Cooper says
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/381822371885101057
One Frugal Girl says
By making them believe they are capable of anything and everything!
nikki says
By allowing them to be who they are.
sandra says
lots of praise for trying
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
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/383291712468041728
amy [at] utry [dot] it
rachel says
By pointing them to God, who is the giver of all dreams
Debbie B says
by being supportive of their choices!
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!
Debbie B says
i tweeted : https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/384472966601248768
jeannine s says
I teach them that they should always follow their dreams and back them up anyway I can when they do
jeannine s says
tweeted https://twitter.com/mellanhead/status/386300717226418176
steph says
i read him stories to encourage his imagination and interests!
steph says
https://twitter.com/scg00387/status/386318415343808512
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.
Erica Best says
by listening to my nephew dream and liked and dislikes
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/386919857351950336
Kiara says
I don’t have kids, but I encourage my niece by telling her how smart and beautiful she is and that she can do anything she sets her mind to.
[email protected]
soha molina says
By being supportive of their likes and dreams and providing them the path to follow them in.
Natalie says
I encourage them to try something at least once and pray to God about it.
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.
Shannon Baas says
By encouraging them to follow their dreams
Bernie W says
I provide them with positive reinforcement when they get discouraged.
Misty Battle says
I encourage my kids through love and support. I help them achieve their dreams and stand behind them 100%
Misty Battle says
https://twitter.com/mistymarie34/status/387039843022565377
michele says
https://twitter.com/michele84/status/387040655035207680
Rebecca Graham says
I try to be a good example and offer encouragement.
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 🙂
Anastasia says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/387134221661110272
kim h says
I always show them how their dreams are not impossible if you continue to believe and work hard!! [email protected]
Carolyn G says
By making sure that they feel supported in their decisions.
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
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.
Barbara M says
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/387254266668130304
June S. says
I have always told my children when they were younger to follow their dreams.
Kelly D says
I let my kids try new activities they are interested in, and encourage them to try their best.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/387412926929195008
Christina Marie says
I try to encourage my daughter to follow her dreams by setting an example. Thanks for the giveaway!
Christina Marie says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/BigsyBlimpers/status/387485409338347520
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.
Maria Iemma says
I tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/sufferngal/status/387578738184962049
Sandra says
We encourage our children to try new things, to follow through with commitments, and to always try their best.
HilLesha says
I encourage my children to follow their dreams by showing them love and support. 🙂
Denise S says
I encourage their interests and tell them they can do anything they set their minds to.
Diane baum says
i would encourage them to give 100 % to whatever they try
Tabathia B says
By encouraging them not to be afraid to try new things
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/388341034020638722
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
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
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 🙂
maria cantu says
I tell them they can do anything they set their mind to do.
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!
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 🙂
Tanya B says
I tell my kids they can do anything they put their minds to [email protected]
janna johnson says
By allowing them to explore and discover life on their own.
Harmony B says
I always tell my kids they can be whatever they want to be, even a doctor, astronaut, lawyer all in one
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.
Michelle H says
by providing lots of opportunities to try different things
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.
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
Robin Wilson says
https://twitter.com/Zuzuz_Petalz/status/389491573492178944
zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lisa V. says
I’ve always been her biggest cheerleader and support her in what she want to do.
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.
Daniel M says
finding more about what they’re interested in and help them out
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!
Betty C says
I encourage our children to try new things so they have the opportunity to discover what they really love.
joseph gersch says
i tell my daughter she can be anything she wants to be
Karen Drake says
I encourage my grandkids by giving them unconditional love and being supportive in everything they do.
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.
Linda G. says
I encourage them to try new things
Anna Pry says
we hope that by homeschooling our kids, they will be more encouraged to follow their own dreams [email protected]
Anna Pry says
tweeted https://twitter.com/pryfamily5/status/389821070561128448 [email protected]
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
Lisa Garner says
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/389839821675311104
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 🙂
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!
Alicia says
To encourage my son I tell him he can do anything he puts his mind and heart too.
Alicia says
https://twitter.com/AliciaJennette/status/389927682223263744
Kayla says
We encourage them and tell them that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Susan Smith says
I encourage my daughter to follower her dreams by making her believe she is capable of anything and everything
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/389951329222664192
mariem says
i try to be supportive- always
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Mary Somerville says
Tweet-
https://twitter.com/maxfate/status/390149210139398144
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.
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/390149359641186304
Jill says
I try to teach them it is OK to be just the person that they are.
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.
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
Michelle Tucker says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/iiiyadirf/status/390165225225203714
michelletucker at baconnation dot net
Amanda Sakovitz says
I encourage them to go for what they believe in
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/390169070307266561
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/390171221091840000
Thomas Murphy says
I tell my kids to do whatever makes them happy.
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/390190585853657088
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
Christian Alejandro says
I like to help them discover their own passions.
Christian Alejandro says
https://twitter.com/lexbaylor27/status/390203597037654016
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.
Ellie W says
tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/390224868941115392
Whitney says
I don’t have children but keeping a positive attitude helps
Whitney says
https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/390256329857572864
meme says
By helping them to believe in their self and that with a lot of practice and hard work they can accomplish anything
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.
tina reynolds says
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/390283805270872064
Gianna says
I teach them and support them.
CharityS says
I always encourage my son to follow his dreams.
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.
lala ramos says
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/392853587677569024
Jenny says
Could you tell me where you bought that net??
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!