"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." G.K. Chesterton
Have you stopped reading fairy tales to your children or students because a big bad wolf goes after Red Riding Hood or a wicked witch casts a spell on Snow White? Maybe it's time to think about how you can transform those seemingly meaningless stories into a learning lesson for your children. Ask them these questions during or after the story:
- What other big bad things can come get you besides a fairy tale wolf?
- How can you protect yourself from those big bad things?
- Do witches really exist?
- If they did, how would you show her that you're stronger than she is?
See how that goes? Take your ordinary fairy tale and twist it into a format that will show the children that they can overcome their personal dragons, witches, and wolves. Empower your children to be strong through the lessons they learn in their literature and movies. I'm not sure that was Disney's motivation when he included an antagonist in each of his movies, but the lesson remains strong: If you can identify your dragon, you have the ability to slay it!
Happy Parenting~
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