Back in the summer, our family had the chance to go see Monsters University in the theatre and we all loved it! I am always particularly impressed by movies that can so appropriately entertain young children and also subtly incorporate adult humor so that the whole family can enjoy the film. Like Monsters Inc., Monsters University was completely awesome. On top of the entertainment factor, it shares the most heart-warming message about following your dreams and using the talents that you have to achieve those dreams. Of course, there are all the figurative and literal obstacles to overcome, which only Disney and Pixar can do so well. Have you seen the movie yet? It is so good!
I was given the opportunity to watch Monsters University again at home recently and we gave a little extra attention to the underlying message with a fun activity. This is what we did: throughout the day, I casually pulled each of my kiddos aside and asked them what their special talents were. They each came up with a handful of things that they enjoy doing and also thought they were especially good at.
Later, before watching the movie, I had the girls (and a friend) sit down to make a movie poster. I pinned up a few pictures from Monsters University that I had downloaded from Disney.com and I asked the kids to each add to the poster by drawing an original monster. I asked them to create a monster that had the same special talent as one of the talents they saw in themselves earlier that day. They were all over it and it was so much fun to see how their drawings developed. Olivia (8) created a monster with a skinny waist and big legs that was excellent at hula-hooping. Her friend, also 8, drew a monster with various artist tools incorporated into its body parts – that monster’s talent was drawing. Grace, 5, drew a monster with a baseball mitt as one of its many hands and wrote “He is good at catching.” My little 4-year-old drew a tic tac toe shaped monster and covered the page with glitter – she said he was good at tic tac toe – hahaha!
I think the girls all really liked the activity; as they finished up, we started the movie and they loved watching it all over again. I hope that doing our Monstrous Talent Activity was a fun way for the kids to spend some time focusing on their individual talents. I also hope that doing the activity ahead of time encouraged them to process the messaging as they watched the movie. It’s so important that we help each other recognize our unique talents AND recognize that we can always learn new things and improve ourselves. With my kids so young, they are easily discouraged when they see a friend or each other able to do something that they can’t do yet and it’s a daily task to find ways of encouraging our kids to chase their dreams no matter the obstacle. I’m appreciative for a movie that portrays this message in a fun and humorous way, with a happy, albeit unexpected outcome!
This movie is a good one for both the kids’ and adults’ movie library! You can Own It First On Digital HD 10/8 & Blu-ray™ Combo Pack 10/29 – order it by clicking here!!
You can also enter to win a $50 Visa Gift Card plus a Monsters University Blu-ray Combo Pack – to enter, leave a comment telling me “How did you believe in yourself and achieve your dream?” Good luck!!
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Be sure to visit the Monsters University Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Comments & Reviews
Lisa Brown says
Haven’t achieved my dream yet, but I stay positive and don’t let others influence me in a negative way.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Lisa Brown says
tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/385867552821243904
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Mami2jcn says
Having faith that things will work out in the end is what helps me strive to achieve my dreams.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/385914554829381633
Jordan Gibbs says
I dreamed about getting a 4.0 GPA, and I reached this goal by working harder than ever and constantly encouraging myself.
Youngpianoman@gmail.com
Elena says
I believed in myself and achieved my dream when I graduated from college working full time and caring for my baby at the same time. Being optimistic really helped me
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/385935074723500032
lizzy says
I have always found faith in God and praying helps my feel so much better about myself and my dreams!
lizzy says
https://twitter.com/Reatex123/status/385935980923846656
Will G says
I went to college and got a degree in computer science.
Stacey Dalton says
My dreams are constantly changing and evolving. How I achieve my dreams is to follow what inspires my creativity or to learn something new.
D SCHMIDT says
I struggled to believe in myself prior to having children, as odd as it sounds becoming a Mother gave me a new found confidence. I try to be the best version of myself possible so that I can be a role model to my children.
D SCHMIDT says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/386119773710319616
Jessica To says
I wasn’t sure I would be able to go to business school and hold down a job, but I was able to do it and graduate!
Cynthia C says
I always had dreams to travel and see the world. I was able to sacrifice and save until I was able to do so.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/386249825152286720
Lisa says
I had my mom who always told me my dreams were possible and helped me accomplish my goals even when I wanted to give up
Karen says
I achieved my dream of being a stay-at-home mom! My husband went to school while working full-time to switch careers. Then we moved to a different state and I was able to quit my job and stay home with our daughter. I love it! It meant so much to me to have my mom home when I was growing up, and I wanted the same for my daughter. So now we have it!
Leigh says
I am still in the process of achieving this dream of getting better in photography. I allow myself to fail and learn from my mistakes. I believe in myself enough to keep going and know that I will get better each day. I keep reading and experimenting.
Susan Smith says
I achieve my dream by working hard and trying to have a positive attitude and confidence in myself
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/386633727893180416
Kelly D says
I believed that I could attain my MBA while working and I did, by putting in a lot of time and hard work.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/387200658647961600
One Frugal Girl says
By surrounding myself with positivity and positive people who believe in me.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
One Frugal Girl says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/387209107855265793
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Rachel says
I made the decision (with the support of my hubby) to start an Etsy shop instead of getting a traditional job out of college. I haven’t made loads of money, but it has freed me up to do things I love, and when my little one is born any day now, I’ll be able to stay home with him and keep making some money on the side!
Alicia K says
i trusted in my abilities to be successful and began my own business
Alicia K says
tweeted https://twitter.com/pixystik4u/status/387745680715825153
Kristen Miller says
I believed in myself because I know God is good and on my side. I’m still achieving my dreams, and enjoying the journey on the way.
Sandra says
I chose to believe that everything happens for a reason, and having a positive attitude builds positive experiences.
Natasha says
I surround myself with positive people that always help me stay on track!
Natasha says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Wild4Wednesdays/status/388047126782943232
Barbara P. says
I remain positive in all things I do. I went to school while working full-time in order to have a career that allows me to work from home so I could always be there for my children. I was able to accomplish that goal only 2 months before the birth of my first child by working hard.
Jessie C. says
I believe in myself because I know I am loved and I achieve my dream by expecting the hard way ahead and taking one bite at a time.
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/388496341657083904
Megan says
I believe in love.
Jessica W says
I am still following them, but I have followed my dreams with love at least!
Jessica W says
I tweeted too https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/389234355119194112
Tina M says
I believe I can succeed and I put my heart into everything I do. Set a goal and take action for my dream.
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/389485916110065666
April G says
I believed in myself and my family when hubby and I found out we were having twins (a big surprise!) and I had to quit my job. I knew we could do it though, and three years later we’re managing!
Lynn says
I create goals based on my dreams and set a plan into action with the end in mind. And I stay positive! So important!
Lynn says
https://twitter.com/lynnlynnbobin/status/390471479957016576
Tamar says
I worked really hard and put myself out there. I continue to do this each and every day.
Erica Best says
this was nice post
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/391681545527775232
Wild Orchid says
I believe in my self and achieve my dreams by having positive self talk, and reflecting on all of the things I have been able to accomplish in the past.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Wild Orchid says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/392310418560933889
Kelly Massman says
Knowing that I had to pay for my graduate degree (and undergraduate), I worked as many as 3 jobs while going to school full time. It was hard, but it was worth it! Thanks kmassman gmail
Daily Woman (Lacey) says
I believe in myself and achieve my dreams by working hard and knowing I have done my very best and worked as hard as possible to get there.
Daily Woman (Lacey) says
https://twitter.com/ASDsupportNC/status/392874416821915649
laceylong27574atgmaildotcom
Bernie W says
I believe in myself and achieve my dreams by setting goals and working hard
Bernie W says
https://twitter.com/BWallace1980/status/393449898806243328
Twitter @BWallace1980 BWallace1980@hotmail.com
Kim L. says
Our family has made tremendous financial sacrifices for me to be a stay at home mom to our son. My husband is a teacher and I gave up my job so it’s always a challenge but I can’t imagine raising our son any other way. Everyday, I endure the scorn and negative comments from other mothers who wonder “what do you do all day?” and I just take it in stride and smile knowing that my son is happy, secure, confident, and loved.
Kerry says
I had some weight to lose and with the power of prayer, positive thinking and believing in myself I was able to achieve my goal!
Eva Biggs says
My husband and i achieved one of our dreams…becoming home owners. We bought it 2 years ago and it didnt come easy…we were turned down left and right, but we didnt give up.
Eva Biggs says
https://twitter.com/evabiggs/status/395354293202460672
tweeted
Robin Wilson says
I always wanted to be a teacher. Two weeks before I graduated high school life through me a curve and I was diagnosed with Lupus. I wasn’t able to go to college then or later, but later as a wife and mom (a dream I didn’t even know I had) I have fulfilled that dream. I “teach”, though it may be life lessons, without a degree.
zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com
Robin Wilson says
tweet: https://twitter.com/Zuzuz_Petalz/status/395854844637892608
zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com
maria cantu says
by believing in God and never giving up
Tabathia B says
I set my mind to and gave myself a deadline or goal to have it done by or be close to my goal and did it
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/396369108742053888
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Lisa Garner says
I became a mom at for the first time at 18 and though I had lost out on my dream of becoming a nurse. It took years but with lots of dedication I finally was able to graduate from nursing school.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Lisa Garner says
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/396803832992104448
Betty C says
With help from my friends and family I realized that every stumbling block was an opportunity to learn how to overcome adversity. Those lessons allowed me to achieve the dreams that were important at the time. Those dreams have changed many times over so I’m still on the way to achievement.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/396916354097246208
Harmony B says
No matter what the obstacles and there are many, I believe in myself and have picked myself up and keep striving for my dreams
Harmony B says
tweet https://twitter.com/hburmeister/status/396927274479398912
angie lilly says
by following my heart and being willing to work hard when forces beyond my control were set against me.
Dee says
I believe in myself and achieve my dreams by understanding that what I have to contribute is of value and by surrounding myself with positive thoughts and, better yet, positive, supportive friends. I also write out inspirational quotes each week and place them around the house as a reminder that I can reach my goals. 🙂
Dee says
tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/397088580889088000
Debbie B says
i have a good life and a happy family and i consider this to be a great achievement
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/397092011540361216
Tabathia B says
I focus on what I want to do and make a list of what I need to do to make it happen and focus on it until I make it happen
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/397109360200933376
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Thomas Murphy says
My parents taught me to believe in my self and I worked hard to achieve my dream.
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/397113220994830336
anna pry says
when i was a single mom my dream was to be able to finish college which i did with determination and support from family pryfamily5@gmail.com
anna pry says
i tweeted https://twitter.com/pryfamily5/status/397135394317533184 pryfamily5@gmail.com
Sarah L says
25 years ago I didn’t think I could sing, but I took singing lessons, joined two choirs and have been singing ever since.
Thanks for the contest.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I try not to give up and to fight for what I want!
Sarah L says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/397146336694263808
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/397147536290353152
Whitney says
Ambition and confidence helps a lot
Whitney says
https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/397214331495911424