Guest Post by Occupational Therapist, Nicole Grant
Disney and Pixar are raising my kids, and I’m OK with that.
My two children are pretty big fans of animated movies. Like most 5 and 6 year olds, they’ve more recently been waving their arms dramatically in the air, conjuring castles and sun-loving snowmen.
There’s been a lot of press lately about screen time, and while I am a huge advocate for ‘green time’, I am still quite OK with planting my two in front of a big screen sometimes. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Kids tend to source imaginative play ideas from things they’ve seen. Case in point – the Frozen reinactment referred to above. The fort in the backyard is suddenly an ice palace, and the grass is covered in snow. Believe it.
2. Familiar characters can be used to engage kids in otherwise boring tasks. Reluctant to colour in? Here’s a picture of Mike and Sully. Let’s make a poster for your wall! Reluctant to write? Let’s write a list of all your favourite characters. Tell me about them.
3. Shy child? I bet they’ll move in closer to a group of kids talking about their favourite scene from Toy Story 2. They might even throw in a comment about how they’ve got Buzz Lightyear pyjamas.
4. I’ve got no problem with Repunzel wielding a frying pan in self defence. If the Road Runner had to contend with dynamite and trebuchet’s, then a kitchen item (which barely connects), is OK by me too. Today’s characters are far more friendly, helpful and kind. Not bad role models, don’t you agree?
5. My final point (for now – there could be dozens more) why I’m a fan of Disney, Pixar and other producers of quality viewing is this. We enjoy these shows as a family. Family time – in fact, any time! – is a precious rarity in this day and age. Anything that brings us together – to snuggle, share a giggle, and enjoy time together, is a wonderful thing.
So go watch Monsters University, Ice Age and How to Train Your Dragon. Then go outside.
Can your kids guess them all?
These alphabet prints are by Mike Boon.
About Nicole
Nicole is a privately practicing Occupational Therapist (OT) in Brisbane, Queensland and mother to 2 beautiful girls.
More information about Nicole can be found here: www.gatewaytherapies.com.au
Follow Nicole: Facebook
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3 Comments
Renee
June 17, 2014 at 12:22 pmIs it sad to say I watch some of these films when my kids aren’t around?
I agree, there is a time & place for everything. Even on holidays we allow our children to watch one ‘show’ everyday. Because, well we need time out too, my husband and I both enjoy a good read without having to chase our 2 year old all over the camp grounds, or stress that he might fall in the fire, because his had a disagreement with his older sister. I think there is a massive difference between not engaging your kids at all in nature and imaginative play by sticking them in front of the ‘electronic baby sister’ versus using it to enhance an experience for everyone.
Love it, thanks Nicole 🙂
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
June 17, 2014 at 12:49 pmYou sound very much like me Nic. We all enjoy television as a family: the story telling, the fantasy, the fun. My kids love being outside and creating too, and now that I think about it, they don’t ask to watch television much (we don’t have time during the school term!) so I feel there is a good balance there.
I LOVE Saturday mornings when usually the kids are allowed to watch a movie when they get up and I lounge in bed. We also love family movie nights, snuggling together, sprawled all over the sofas and on the floor.
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November 5, 2014 at 11:03 am[…] Disney are Raising My Kids! […]