Parenting :: Encouraging Our Kids to Dream Big!

Ever wonder what happened to the storybook characters we grew up with like the Mad Hatter, Snow White, and the Evil Queen? Turns out they are parents now too, and their children are studying at the enchanted high school of Ever After High, a boarding school for teens destined to follow in their famous parents’ fairytale footsteps. The all new original special Ever After High: Spring Unsprung, premiered this month on Netflix, and celebrates the idea that the story of your life is not written in permanent ink. You have the power to create your own destiny.  You can check out a preview of Ever After High here.

In two other Netflix original series premiering this month, there are kids also creating their own destinies. Teenage mermaids stand out from the crowd in Season 2 of Mako Mermaids (2/13), and Richie Rich (2/20), the same entrepreneur we grew up with, is back but this time his refusal to eat his veggies has made him a trillionaire.

In your house, how do you encourage your kids to forge their own paths?  I am a big believer in visualizing your dreams happening.  When I decided I wanted to write children’s books, I saw myself reading my book, Penelope the Purple Pirate, to my daughter’s class.  I held on to that dream and image while I took the steps to make it happen.  This important step in realizing your dreams – whether they are big or small – is really necessary because it puts you into that space of seeing it happen. You are never too young (or old) to start dreaming big and take time out of your day to make these dreams become a reality.

Netflix has provided some shows to stream that help remind us and our kids about going after what we want. And make sure to check out the Visual Board craft below.  Its a great way to help your kids “see” what it is they want to see happen in their lives.  Whether it be to make the soccer team or get straight A’s (that’s a great goal), by putting it up for them to see everyday, helps remind them to take the steps to make it happen.

Create Your Own Destiny:

1. Ever After High (2/6)
2. Mako Mermaids (2/13)
3. Richie Rich (2/20)

Need more ideas?  Try these titles to get your kids wheels turning!

Someday I Will…

When my daughter was younger we use to watch Sid the Science Kid all the time.  Oh, it was so sweet seeing her get all excited about the different cool science projects that Sid and his crew worked on.  I love this show!

1. Build and fix things: Handy Manny
2. Make a discovery: Sid the Science Kid
3. Walk on the moon: Justin Time: Blast off!: S1E13
4. Explore the ocean: Octonauts

For your big kids:

I have heard about the Cupcake Wars and plan to check it out this month.  Have you seen any of these recommended shows?

1. Make sweet treats: Cupcake Wars
2. Get into show biz: Fame High
3. Represent Team USA: The Gabby Douglas Story
4. Master the kitchen: Chopped

And for teens and parents:

I’ve seen a couple episodes of The Wahlburgers and I must say it definitely draws you in.  I rather enjoy watching this fun family run their chain of restaurants!

1. Get the corner office: Undercover Boss
2. Travel the world: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
3. Walk the red carpet: Liz & Dick
4. Run my own restaurant: Wahlburgers

Create a Vision Board:

To keep the kids chasing their dreams, map out those big ideas on a DIY vision board. Cut inspirational words out of magazines, print photos of favorite characters or add your own knick-knacks and trinkets. Learn how to make your own here.

What are ways you encourage your kids to go after their dreams?

Note:  We are part of the Netflix Stream Team and provided a year Netflix subscription as well as movie, craft and recipe suggestions each month to share with our lovely dandelions moms.  All opinions are own.