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
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.
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.
Cassandra Eastman says
I tell my children to believe in themselves, and anything is possible!
deanna says
tweet
https://twitter.com/dlw447/status/380148413028782081
xo
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
Btrflywmn says
I tell my kids to be themselves, don’t worry what other people think. Be kind and be yourself!
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!
beth says
We make sure they know they are loved and supported no matter what they do
dez3b@yahoo.com
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!
D SCHMIDT says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/379773449855463424
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.
amy pugmire says
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/379480266797887488
amy pugmire says
I encourage my daughter by putting her into dance class cause she loves to dance and sing! She loves it
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).
Danielle T says
we try to motivate them to never stop dreaming! they can do whatever they put their minds to!