Disney’s Snow White, the story we all know, love, and grew up with, is a tale of strength, destiny, and parental love, among other things. It tells the story of a young girl, orphaned by her loving and kind parents, left to fend for herself against the ruthless and corrupt Evil Queen. As she flees the kingdom in search of safety, she’s fighting not just for herself but also for her people, with no one guiding her but the memories of her fair and kind parents.
This magical and nostalgic reimagination has us looking at the magic mirror on the wall and reflecting on what we could improve, change, and add to our list of parenting tips. Here are some of our favorites:
- Raise girls to lead, not just follow
Raise little girls to know how to make crucial decisions, find resolve in stressful situations, and let their voices be heard during relevant discussions. When girls are brought up believing they can lead, they become fearless and wise, they depend on themselves more, and they go about life thinking they can conquer it.
Snow White was raised believing she would one day lead, and although it took her some time to realize this path for herself, she eventually decided that without her father, it is her–– and no one else— that could save the kingdom from an unfair ruler.
- Diamonds are not always better than a rose
As parents, you want your children to make the most of life. You want them to excel in academics, sports, and careers, and have everything they want in life. In your quest to make them the best of everything, don’t forget to instill values of kindness, fairness, and compassion as these are just as or even more important.
The Evil Queen values the diamond more than anything else, thinking the kingdom will side with her and her precious stones over Snow White and her roses. But in the end, it was Snow White’s kindness and tenderness that spoke to the people and won her their hearts.
- They remember –– and mirror –– your actions
A peaceful home makes peaceful children, and wise parents beget wise children. For young children or teens who refuse to listen, your actions mean more than your words. It’s what they remember and look back on when they have to make a big decision, their morals are tested, or when they choose which path in life to take. Remembering to be mindful of your actions and exercising grace in stressful situations will do wonders for your young, impressionable kids.
For Snow White, who lost her parents at an early age, memories are all she has. In her memories, her father was a fair ruler, and her mother was kind and understanding. This helped guide her in every decision she made and how she treated everyone.
- Listen. Listen. Listen.
Make parenting more of a democracy and less of a dictatorship. Practice listening to and considering their opinions, even if they seem unimportant, irrelevant, and incessant at times. This helps build their confidence to ask better, more important questions in the future and makes them feel heard and seen.
When Snow White asked her late father how she could one day lead the kingdom in their stead, she was not dismissed for asking too many questions. Instead, he explained to her how being fearless, fair, brave, and true are key to becoming the leader the kingdom needs.
- The long parenting game pays off
Parenting is an incredibly rewarding yet dynamic and ever-changing experience with no guaranteed results. You may plan everything from when to have them to how to raise them, but things don’t turn out exactly how you want them to. The good thing? Parenthood is a long game where hard work and consistency pay off. And before you know it, you’ve raised intelligent, passionate, and kind grownups whose values align with yours.
They may not know it, but the efforts of Snow White’s parents paid off as their daughter became the wise parent figure to the miners who have been living for 275 err 274 years but still have difficulty listening to each other and working side by side. The values they instilled in her lived on and became her guiding principle as Snow White led the kingdom.
Experience the classic Disney fairytale reimagined with a modern twist. Bring the entire family along, make new memories, and bond over a magical and musical experience you won’t forget. Snow White is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
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