Parenting and fairy tales

Disney is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Generations have grown up watching their classic movies that appeal to all ages. Watching the creations of Disney can be entertaining but also leave us with many myths to ponder. Most females in our culture grew up believing there is a prince for each of us to find and then we will live happily ever after together. There is also the villain step-mother that is portrayed as evil and only wanting to hurt her step-children. In the movies, as the characters face a problem they would just sing a song and then happiness would return.

Disney is currently re-releasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Blu-Ray which has been restored for today’s audience. This story is centered on Snow White who is the step-daughter to the Queen. The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty so she orders her huntsman to kill Snow White. Snow White discovers the wicked plot against her and runs away into the forest and lives with the Seven Dwarfs. She takes care of them until the Queen finds her and tricks her into taking a bite of a poisonous apple. Snow White then falls asleep until her Prince gives her a kiss and carries her off to live happily ever after with him.

Watching these videos with your children can give you the opportunity to discuss these myths and clarify any questions that they may have. As you discuss the story you can point out how the Queen’s jealousy eventually killed her. You could also talk about what other strengths Snow White had besides her beauty. Snow White’s role in the story was to take care of all the dwarfs. Today women have the opportunity to pursue any career of their choice and finding happiness isn’t centered on finding your prince charming. Blended families can discuss the villain of the story the “wicked stepmother,” and reassure the children that it is only a story. You can then converse about all the things that they appreciate about their step-mother.

Movies are entertaining and fun for families to watch together. Disney movies have memorable characters, music and animated features to enjoy. Helping your children understand the difference between fantasy and reality will help clarify “who is the fairest of them all.”