Disney movies are great for many reasons. They're feel-good movies, fun for the whole family, and usually have some sort of lesson or takeaway at the end. However, they tend to be hit or miss with the parenting advice. Some parents are great, while others need some serious help. Here's some parenting do's and don'ts I've picked up from Disney (and a few Pixar) movies.
1. Don't hire a hitman for your child, like the Evil Queen.
This should be basic knowledge, but I feel like I should mention it just in case. This stands for stepchildren, too.
2. Do help your child cope with any problems, like Aunt Cass.
Hiro had to go through losing both parents and his older brother, but Aunt Cass was always there with a big hug and a warm plate of food. Although your child might be coping with different problems (hopefully), it's important to still help them through whatever maybe happening.
3. Don't treat your child as a slave, like Cinderella's stepmother.
Cinderella's stepmother Lady Tremaine was very harsh towards Cinderella, making her cook and clean for three people every day. This isn't to say that children shouldn't have chores to do, but keep them moderate. Expecting a child to scrub the floors of the whole house on their own is a bit much.
4. Do be honest with your child, like Mufasa.
Mufasa was a strong leader, but also very open and honest with his son, Simba. He admitted that he was only brave when he needed to be, and scared that he could have lost his son. It's important to let kids know that adults are people too, so showing some vulnerability can be good.
5. Don't be close-minded, like Pocahontas's father.
Chief Powhatan was very set in his ways, and almost killed John Smith because of the color of his skin. (Also there's a whole song that's mostly the word "savages" being repeated.) There's always something to learn from someone with a different perspective, whether that be a traveler from a distant country or an imaginative child.
6. Do encourage imagination and fun, like Mrs. Darling.
The Darling children, Wendy, John, and Michael, had quite the active imaginations, creating stories about Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland. And their mother encouraged their stories and creative ideas, as it brought the siblings closer together. (Bonus tip: to avoid mishaps like Mr. Darling's dramatic fall at the beginning of the movie, make clean up fun too!)
7. Don't shoot down your child's dreams, like Moana's father.
Although Chief Tui is a loving and caring father, he still tries to keep Moana from following her dreams of going out and exploring the ocean. The movie explains that this is because he once had a bad experience on the water, but that shouldn't keep Moana from taking chances. Instead of trying to keep your child protected from all danger, help them learn from your mistakes.
8. Do encourage and support your child's dreams, like Tiana's parents.
From a young age, Tiana's parents encouraged her love of cooking and her dream to someday open a restaurant. Even though they didn't have much money, they did all they could to help their child see her dream come true, and so should you.
9. Don't force your child to hide who they are, like Anna and Elsa's parents
At the first sign of trouble with Elsa's ice powers, the king and queen of Arendale hid their daughter away, never helping her control or understand her powers, leaving Elsa alone and scared. Don't do this. Help your child, accept your child, love your child.
10. Do praise your child for their unique talents, like the Incredibles.
Granted, this point and the last were extreme examples, the message still stands. They encouraged safe practice of their powers, and using them for good. This also applies to other talents such as playing an instrument, drawing, dancing, playing a sport, etc. Encourage, support, and help where you can.
11. Don't force your child into something they don't want to do, like the Sultan.
Forcing your child to do something that they're not interested in is just going to be a hassle for both you and them. Of course, this doesn't apply to small things like eating veggies or cleaning their room. But it does apply to things such as playing a sport or instrument, or marrying someone they don't love.
12. Do encourage your child to be themselves, like Belle's father.
Maurice is an eccentric inventor, but he still encourages Belle to be herself, no matter what the townspeople say. This is an important lesson for your youngster to learn, especially as they go through school. (Maybe try to keep them and yourself away from enchanted castles in the forest for best results.)
13. Don't keep your child from participating in social events, like Mother Gothel.
By this, I really mean don't keep your child locked up in a tower on their own for their entire life. They'll miss out on making friends and experiences, plus being out in the real world is good for healthy development. (Bonus tip: don't steal children that aren't yours, it's highly frowned upon. But you knew that already. Right?)
14. Do let your child know that you would do anything for them, like Marlin.
He traveled across the ocean to find his son. If that doesn't scream fatherly love, I don't know what does. It's also a good idea to make sure your children know that you would do anything for them before the need arises.
15. Don't discourage your child from learning or exploring, like King Triton.
Learning and exploring is a part of growing up! Instead of banning your children from exploring, help them do it in a safe way. Take them to the library, park, discovery center; the possibilities are endless. (And when your son or daughter comes to you about their first crush, try not to overreact and destroy everything they cherish.)
16. Do go with the flow and try your best, like Nani.
Technically, Nani isn't a parent, but she's quite possibly the best parental figure of any Disney movie. Even though her life gets turned upside down when her parents die, and then again when her and Lilo accidentally adopt an alien, she does her best to make sure Lilo has a place to live and a happy childhood. Things may get a little messy from time to time, but you just need to put on some good music (Lilo would suggest Elvis), hula it out, and try again.
Remember, there's no manual for parenting, or a right or wrong way. As long as you try your best, shower you child with love, and make sure they watch Disney movies, everything will turn out fine.
(Special thanks to best friend and fellow Disney lover Jessica Coffman for parent suggestions, and for being the Rapunzel to my Meg.)