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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Comments & Reviews
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/390171221091840000
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/390169070307266561
Amanda Sakovitz says
I encourage them to go for what they believe in
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Michelle Tucker says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/iiiyadirf/status/390165225225203714
michelletucker at baconnation dot net
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
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.
Jill says
I try to teach them it is OK to be just the person that they are.
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/390149359641186304
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.
Mary Somerville says
Tweet-
https://twitter.com/maxfate/status/390149210139398144
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!