19 Feb 10, Friday: fairytales and children – part 2.

Would like to start this series with tales that help children understand rational concepts; this way, as we go along, you (the reader) will soon be able to identify the kind of fiction that your child would benefit from.

The first ‘must-watch’ in my list is the animation film ‘Ratatouille’.

Short synopsis of the tale: would you even step into, let alone eat a meal that is cooked by a rat? This story is just that:  a heart-warming tale of a rat who wants to be a chef against all odds (family disapproval, failures and heartache and his being a ‘rat’).  What our children (and we) can learn from the tale:
Unconditional self acceptance: the lead character, Remy does not let the fact that he is a ‘rat’ come between his dream to be a great chef; his efforts, trials and tribulations are focussed towards this one passion; he even overcomes his family’s disapproval to reach his goal.

Importance of hard work and never giving up: Remy faces several obstacles and failures in his quest and although he is often sad and dejected, he never gives up; he takes failure and hardships in his stride and does his best to overcome them.

Risk taking: what more can one say about an impossible dream of a rat wanting to be a chef and doing all he can to make that dream a reality.  If you don’t try, how will you ever know?

The above life lessons have a better chance of appealing to children if they are linked with an incident in their lives; for example, a young girl likes to play basketball but doesn’t make it to her school team and thus gives up; connecting this incident to the tale where Remy doesn’t give up when he fails would surely help establish this very vital life lesson that giving up or running away is never the solution.

Happy watching and I hope that we too can learn or revisit some important life lessons.