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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This sweepstakes runs from 9/9/13 – 10/15/13.
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Comments & Reviews
mariem says
i try to be supportive- always
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/389951329222664192
Susan Smith says
I encourage my daughter to follower her dreams by making her believe she is capable of anything and everything
Kayla says
We encourage them and tell them that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Alicia says
https://twitter.com/AliciaJennette/status/389927682223263744
Alicia says
To encourage my son I tell him he can do anything he puts his mind and heart too.
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!
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 🙂
Lisa Garner says
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/389839821675311104
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
Anna Pry says
tweeted https://twitter.com/pryfamily5/status/389821070561128448 pryfamily5@gmail.com
Anna Pry says
we hope that by homeschooling our kids, they will be more encouraged to follow their own dreams pryfamily5@gmail.com
Linda G. says
I encourage them to try new things
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.
Karen Drake says
I encourage my grandkids by giving them unconditional love and being supportive in everything they do.