The Frozen Lessons

In case you've been living under a rock for the past few months, the creative geniuses at Disney have released a new film entitled Frozen, which has taken the world by (snow) storm, literally.

My husband and I took our two daughters to see it in the theaters in January, and the mesmerized looks on their faces said it all: they were truly captivated by the story line, characters, songs and messages conveyed in the film.

So we HAD to see it a second time in February. (Thanks again, Polar Vortex!) Then we stumbled upon YouTube videos of the songs which led to many nights of Toddler Karaoke. Next, we simply HAD to buy the soundtrack. From thereafter, every voyage in the car and every meal had to be accompanied by Kristen Bell and Adele Dazeem (Oops, Idina Menzel! Shame on you, Travolta!!). To this day, when those first few notes are heard, my husband and I give each other the "Frozen" look, which also translates to "Dear Lord, if I have to listen to that song ONE more time, I am going to go INsane!!!" 

But do we continue to listen to the soundtrack EVERY day? (And do we sing along?!) Of course. 

Did my husband purchase the DVD the day it was available in stores? You betcha. 

Olivia and Madelyn anxiously awaiting Daddy to arrive home with the FROZEN DVD!!! Squeel!

Do our girls watch the movie practically every.single.day? Um, yep. 

Olivia wouldn't stop shrieking during the first home viewing of the movie. Madelyn had to 'shush' her.

After careful consideration of our parenting decisions to allow this obsession with a film continue, I have decided to channel my inner Elsa and I've just LET IT GO!!!!!!!

Here are five lessons that our daughters' have learned via their obsession with the movie Frozen: 

1) Geography: The movie is set in Norway, in the beautiful port town of Arendelle. My oldest daughter, Madelyn, became fascinated with its location, so we had to research more about Norway and its culture on the Internet.

2) Spelling and Phonetics: Not a day goes by that Madelyn doesn't ask me how to spell a word or character's name: "Mommy, how do we spell Kristoff? How about Olaf? And what about Hans?" Her curiosity leads her to take our her pencil and notebook from her book bag, and we practice phonetically sounding out the letter-sound combinations of character's names. Consequently, she happily records them into her spiral notebook.

Perhaps the Ohio Department of Education could learn a thing or two from Disney? Maybe if they would center their Kindergarten curriculum tests around themes which are meaningful to children, they would see an increase in overall student achievement?! :) ::Teacher stepping off her soap box::

3) Vocabulary: Yesterday, after watching the scene where Anna discovers Oaken's Trading Post (and Sauna!), Madelyn inquisitively asked me: "Mommy, what does the word crook mean?" To which I replied: "A crook is someone who is dishonest and doesn't make good decisions." Later on, when squabbling with Olivia over which Lego set to construct, Madelyn proudly used the word in a sentence: "Sissy! Don't be a crook! Give me back that Princess Lego set!" (Yes, it was a proud Mommy moment.)

Madelyn was also very curious after the scene when Olaf unknowingly walks into the large icicle "Mommy, what does the world impaled mean?" 

My kid is going to ROCK her SATs one day. All thanks to Frozen. 

4) Girl Power: The movie conveys the message to young girls that it's okay to be comfortable in your own skin. Even if you're Elsa and possess magical powers which frighten Arendelle's citizens and place an eternal winter over the city which will not relent. Even if said magical powers help create a magnificently beautiful crystal ice palace and others think you are an evil sorceress. Because every person matters. Every girl is unique and valuable, despite society's preconceived notions about what girls CAN and CANNOT do. Every girl can impact her world with a special talent, gift, or ability.

Madelyn asks my husband and I almost daily, "Why was I born with Turner Syndrome?"

To which we reply: "God knew you are a brave and courageous girl. In spite of all you have to endure, he knows that you will never let this label define you. Because you are special, just like every other girl is special in their own way. And you are loved."

Children are faced with far too much drama and conflict at such a young age. Bullies, self-esteem concerns, popularity wars, social media, the list goes on. 

We want our girls to understand that they should be proud of who they are. Be confident and strong, and believe in yourself, for you CAN achieve your dreams. 

5) The bonds of sisterhood: No, I'm not referring to Greek Life at Ohio University, where I was a proud member of Chi Omega sorority, but rather, the lifelong bond that sisters can cultivate. 

Olivia and Madelyn are as different as any two siblings can be.

Madelyn is always sweet, energetic, and she's a definite people-pleaser. If she even thinks she hurt someone's feelings or didn't follow the rules, she crumbles into a pool of tears. 

On the other hand, Olivia is a DIVA. Plain and simple. Every transition is difficult for her. Sleeping through the night, ditching the pacifier, transitioning to a big girl bed, potty training. Sigh. (We are currently in the throes of the latter combined with typical two-year old tantrums. Fun times!)

Ever since they saw Frozen together for the first time, we have witnessed them become much closer as sisters and as friends. 

Despite the fact that they are three years apart in age, they LOVE recreating the scenes from the movie by dressing up and playing the roles of Anna and Elsa ("Mommy! It's Coronation Day! Why?! Why do you shut me out, Elsa?!)

At bedtime, after tucking them in and kissing them good night, my heart swells a bit as I walk down the stairs and I hear them whisper to each other:

"Good night, Anna." 

"Good night, Elsa." 

"I love you."

The joy that I feel to know that our daughters accept, encourage, and appreciate each other for who they are is reason enough for me to continually hit PLAY on the DVD remote to start the movie again. For the 24th time. (I am about to lose count!) 

Whatever obstacle may arise, the movie Frozen is an adorable way to teach our kids to be their courageous and true selves, no matter how outsiders may choose to view them.

Our girls constantly blurt out the quote shown below which has resonated within them as a source of inspiration. Oh, and they simply LOVE using it as a rebuttal when they think that spring may have actually arrived and they scoff when I remind them that they need their coats and hats. 

-Amber