There are a lot of movies from my childhood I’m not real keen on my kids watching. The Lion King for instance has a pretty disturbing beginning where poor Simba watches his father fall to his death. It’s heart-wrenching and far too advanced for a young child to see in my opinion. I prefer my kids don’t have to analyze life and death quite so early on. Then there’s Bambi who loses her his mother, Tod (Fox and The Hound) abandoned in the woods, and of course, Old Yeller. So depressing!
Like so many other Disney movies the only way for the female protagonist to become fulfilled is by falling in love with a man (Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas…) It’s annoying to say the least.
In The Little Mermaid, besides the fact that Ariel is willing to make a deal with a monster, completely disregard her father and in general not care about anyone but herself, she is willing to GIVE UP HER VOICE for a man she has never actually met. She saw him once on a boat, thought he was handsome, and was then willing to trade HER VOICE to get to him. Yes, you’re right, she was fascinated by land long before Eric, but what made her choose to make the deal was seeing him.
How symbolic is that? How many women in not so literal terms do give up their voice for the male gender? We should be teaching girls if you should hold onto anything, it’s your voice. For goodness sake, don’t give up your voice.
She was an amazing singer and totally OK with giving up that incredible talent. Isn’t that something parents are actively trying to avoid? Don’t we all preach to our boys to not miss football practice for their girlfriend? Or tell our daughters not to pick a boy over family? This movie tells our kids the exact opposite of the things we’re trying to say.
Oh, and by the way little girls, the only thing you need to make a man fall in love with you is to have a pretty face. You don’t fall in love by spending time together, having conversations, laughing, talking, learning – no, none of that really matters. Beauty is it.
I adore the fact that this is starting to change and there are some fantastic female characters now like Merida, Anna and Elsa. Yes, Anna decides to get engaged in just one day, but there is another beautiful princess telling her that’s wrong and in the end, she realizes that as well.
At the end of the day, I want movies that will show my daughter yes, falling in love is amazing, but it isn’t everything.
—
Note: By giving my opinion on one, 26-year-old movie, I have somehow given readers an entire synopsis of my parenting as a whole. I have somehow made you believe that I am sheltering my children, don’t let them watch tv, have no fun, and am probably sitting in a bunker somewhere so they can never learn about the world. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and people who have stuck around for longer than one post would understand that. You read one post and assumed you know everything there is to know about me, my kids and my parenting. Doesn’t that seem crazy to you?
Because of the hatefulness from so many, comments are now closed. Take your negativity elsewhere.
More to read…
8 TAYLOR SWIFT SONGS I WANT MY DAUGHTER TO LISTEN TO
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
Stacy says
Never mind the fact that Ariel gets married at the age of 16…this movie drives me nuts!
Rebecca says
Historically speaking she was considered an old maid, seeing as girls were married off between 10 and 13 because the life expectancy was 29 to maybe 35 if they didnt die in child birth or had gotten sick
Jenny says
Wow ladies this is just a movie. It’s make belief. Some of us obviously spend too much time at home!!!!
Rebecca N says
Yeah. Ladies, it IS all make believe and fantasy. I let my 2 girls watch all these movies. We discuss what is real, what isn’t, what is good, what is bad. As a result, my 7 year old will gladly tell you Ariel was stupid for dealing with Ursula and that there is No Way Jose that she would trade voice. It isn’t about the movie, it is all about discussing them with your wee ones so that they DO learn lessons from them. Even Lion King. In that movie, there is everything from explaining dealing with fear or grief, bravery, obeying your parents, how people will say one thing but act in the opposite (deceit- Scar). Lots of lessons. Sometimes 2-4 yr olds don’t care about all the reasons or innuendo, they only love the characters and the story. We as parents read So so much more. Where sometimes, it just isn’t. Let’s lighten up!
Olivia says
Totally right my daughter who is 4 was watching little mermaid and without any prompting she told me that arial was not doing the right thing and that she should have listened to her father. I would much rather have my daughter watch movies with me than be around friends and have her friends teach her. Will I let my daughter watch ANYTHING of course not but I would much rather her hear what is right and wrong from me than shelter her and have her not be able to think things through. On a different note my daughter also knows that this is totally fake and there is inner beauty and outer beauty. I think it has everything to do with how you present it.
Lee says
THANK YOU
Tara says
I agree, totally. People who go on about this type of trivial tripe, honestly have wayyyyy too much time on their hands. There can’t be a march somewhere for some feminists to interfere with or march in with their breasts hanging out. That is empowering to some, apparently. Any man, woman, child or beast could do so, but hey….no accounting for what makes some women feel like ‘women’. I think it’s insane, and as a woman doing that merely makes people think less of you; not more. How backward thinking can some women be?
Mary says
You totally forgot Mulan whose endeavours brought her to save China and she never needed a man.
Liz Nieman says
You’re right – Mulan is a good one.
Mary says
Also disney’s Pocahontas does end up giving up the man to stay living with her people and presumably leading them. She doesn’t “need a man” but in fact the end of that movie shows her choosing responsibility and family over the man.
Rachel says
Well let’s not forget how Mulan was deceitful, disobeyed her parents, lied about being a boy so she could fight. No different than Ariel or any others.
Shelby says
It’s just a movie! I grew up around these movies and never once asked about it. Frig, it makes me so mad how sensitive this world is now. Children don’t think that way. Get over it.
Honey says
My thoughts exactly
Nicki says
Exactly! We are raising a generation of victims taught not to think for them selves and to blame every one and thing except ourselves for our actions! It drives me crazy! We as parents are responsible for teaching our children right from wrong, and then we have to trust them to make their own choices. And if we’re talking about the dang movie, Ariel may have made some really bad choices, but she also had consequences for them and in the end learned her lesson. Bonus her dad also learned to trust her to make her own decisions a little more. So maybe some parents need to take a lesson from the movie and trust their children to make their own decisions based on their raising. .
Sarah says
Exactly! Thank You!!!
Kaitlin says
That’s exactly what I was thinking. First, she didn’t know she was giving up her voice. Second, as a child I didn’t view it that way AT ALL. From the very beginning you see that she was attached to the surface. Everything she did and everything that made her happy had to do with the world above the sea. As a child what I saw was a girl unwilling to give up what the thing she was passionate about just to ‘fall in line’ with what was expected of her, her ‘princess status’.
Also, as far as the two of them falling in love … it wasn’t just her ‘pretty face’. If you actually bothered to watch this movie you would see that in the beginning yes he saw her as attractive but he didnt have an interest in her. It was spending time with her and seeing her adventurous, wonder filled side that dres him to her. That was the whole plot of the movie … she had to get him to kiss her and he wouldnt because he didn’t know her well enough. it wasn’t until spending time together that he began to see a future with her. And THAT is why Ursula shows up to stop it all. Using the voice of the woman he had fallen in love with to put a spell on him.
Im sorry but … why can’t our daughters feel they have the right to think for themselves even if it isnt what we have planned for them? Why can’t they do what they feel they must to achieve their own happiness? Why can’t they be unafraid to show their true selves through words AND actions in front of men? AND most importantly … since when have you stolen their innocence and believe they can not view a movie like this and will only see it through the eyes of a cynical overly critical adult such as yourself?
Liz Nieman says
I don’t consider myself sensitive, but when it comes to my children I most certainly am. Even though I don’t particularly care for many of these movies, my kids can still watch them, it is only this one that I am strongly against.
Liz Nieman says
I didn’t either but I certainly think I may have made a few better life choices as a young girl if I had better female role models and wasn’t shown repeatedly that men are what fulfills a woman.
Diana says
KIds are going to see all sort of things, The Little Mermaid is nothing compared to situations that they will be put in later in life. You are the only role model that your daughters needs and whats the rest is entertainment. It is important for us mothers of girls to acknowlegde just how important our behavior is to our girls. Its up to us not to shield them but to expose them while we still have a voice to teach them right from wrong. When they shut us out it’ll be too late and they will not know how to deal with the situations and there the bad choices start popping up because we have protected instead of taught.
A big difference between protecting by shielding and protecting by teaching. The latter is best.
Just my thoughts 🙂
Kim says
So wait because your parent’s didn’t teach you that you could do/ be whatever you wanted men be damned. Your kids can’t watch movies? I watched all of the same movies and never one did I ever think a man was all I could be. My parents (you know the people supposed to be raising kids) always told me I could be whatever and whomever I wanted. I watched all the same movies and never once thought I had to get married yes it would be nice one day if I did (and I did) but it was never my goal in life. I watched all the same movies and decided that in HS I didn’t want to date because I had better things to do with my life than waste it on silly boys. I decided what I wanted to do with my life, and guess what I watched Snow White, Cinderella and OMG Little Mermaid. When I met the right man I then got married, and I am doing all the things I wanted to before him. Teach your kids, and stop blaming your bad choices on a movie. It didn’t make them you did, and you made them because you weren’t taught to be strong enough to not have to have a man. That isn’t a movies fault.
Teresa says
I think, you think too much. I also think you are a lot like I use to be, controlling. It took a wake up call from God and a horrible life event with my oldest to snap me into reality. As mothers we are all on our own journey, but trying to control everything never ever ever works out.
Kim says
I have never read such rubbish before. The Little Mermaid is one of the most amazing DIsney movies. I personally feel that your daughter will be missing out on such an adventure. Is she allowed to watch Finding Nemo? I sure hope so – even though the mom dies in the beginning. Such is life. I completely agree with Jenny, it is just a movie.
Liz Nieman says
She has seen Finding Nemo. I certainly don’t keep them from all Disney or animated films.
Wendy says
Oof…in the case you should watch out. There’s a movie out there where a youngin is left disfugered when his mother is savagely murdered. He then makes his way into the world, against his father’s wishes only to find himself with a neurotic and absent-minded companion who further forces him to stray by befriending a murderous trio, currently in rehab. After a long hard voyage, he is reunited with his father, but alas has been scarred be the things he’s seen. Poor Nemo.
Tania says
Hahahahahahaha !!!! U made my day!
Heather says
Yes!! I love it. But Nemo is a boy, so that’s not an issue since boys don’t have gender hang ups. (sarcastic tone)
Nicki says
Yes! Because only boys can think for themselves and not have to have a movie tell them what is right and wrong! Lol
Liz Nieman says
I don’t recall mentioning anything of the sort – that jus’t isn’t the issue I was talking about in this particular article. But yes, I deal with gender issues with my son as well which I have also written about here.
Liz Nieman says
I adore Finding Nemo. The scene where his mother dies is far less upsetting than The Lion King.
Rachel says
So you don’t teach your children about death? Hmmm, are you a Christian? I am not judging, but if you are do you realize that Christ DIED GRAPHICALLY on the cross for our sins! Do you sugar coat that for your kids too??
Has no one ever taught you that BEAUTY is in the INSIDE NOT ON YOUR FACE?? I have taught my little girl all this and let her watch Disney movies from early on and she is a beautiful (inside and out) 15 year old young Christian lady who would find your article repulsive! Don’t ever teach your child that beauty is on the outside. Too many things can go way wrong there.
I could go on all day with this. Every Disney movie I can think of has disobeying children, death, you name it. You have to teach them that first it is pretend. Yes there are things on tv that are very real but I hope you are not letting little ones watch that. Teach them on their level as they grow. Are they going to miss a friends birthday party because it is in the theme of Ariel because of what you have blown out of proportion about this movie?
You have to do what is best for your children, we all do. But there is nothing wrong with a Disney movie, watch them together, that is some good snuggle, quality time. Teach them it’s just a movie! A fairy tale!
You’re not a bad mom for not liking Disney. But you can’t say Ariel is bad but agree that Mulan and Nemo are good. They are all deceitful, disobedient, defiant, I could go on but you get my point.
majo says
hello! I have never tought about it but you are definitely right. Thank you for sharing!!
michelle says
Of course you haven’t thought of it like that! And neither do the kids. This is how the author sees things, not in a good way. You can find bad in most anything if you look hard enough.
Tania says
It’s just a MOVIE! It’s fiction, it’s a lovely story about a non existing character (by the way the real version is not that lovely)
It was my favorite movie when I was a kid, and inane never given up my voice, I have always raise it up and speak for what I think it’s fair.. I am married and have 2 kids, I see my mom every single day, never gave up my family for a man…
I think u are overreacting and instead of judging movies u should check how u are raising ur daughter
Liz Nieman says
I’m unsure if that last part was a jab at me or just a suggestion but I’m doing as great of a job as any mom can. If nothing else this post shows that I am conscious and mindful about the things in her life.
Faith says
I stumbled across your post and was reading through the comments. I’m sorry some of these comments are so harsh. I do not share your view and disagree with your outlook on the movie, but I would never assume from what you have written here that you need to reevaluate your parenting. You are doing what you feel to be best for your daughter. She is blessed to have a mother that cares for her so strongly and is passionate about raising her in a way that you feel will bring out the best person in her. We may not agree on things, but we all have different ways of parenting just as each child is also different. I’m sure it can be discouraging to read these comments and you have to have a tough skin as a blogger, but keep loving your precious little one, Mama! You are a great mom and they are blessed to have so much love in their life. 🙂
Robyn says
Get a grip!!!
Rachael says
This is just a cartoon I grew up with this movie and I was not looking for a man to save me in any way and I will let my daughter watch it and I will watch it with her. People are so offended by everything today and we are making our children just looking for something to be offended by!!!
David says
I would agree if I were a parent that allowed my child to be taught and influenced by cartoons.
Liz Nieman says
If you think the things your kids see aren’t influencing them you are wrong.
Amanda says
I just want to say that I am the oldest of 4 kids who are all early to mid twenties. We grew up on all of the movies you mentioned plus many, many more. All of the VHS tapes are still sitting in my parents house. All four of us are 4 year college graduates, myself with a master’s degree as well. We all live independently out of the house and we all have fantastic jobs that allow us comfortable lives. I am engaged to be married and the two below me are also in serious relationships.
Any person of any age with half a brain can determine what is right and wrong from a movie, especially a cartoon. These movies were so important to me growing up and I still love them; as does my fiancee. In fact, we now have many of these same movies on blue ray, and continue to add to our collection when they come out from the vault. You can also believe that our future children will watch these movies, think for themselves, know right from wrong, and be successful adults like we are because we will give them the tools to do so, as our parents did for us.
Movies don’t shape kids, you do. And if you feel a movie will override your teachings as a parent, then your children either do not respect you, or you are not teaching as a parent. Just a few observations from personal experience.
Genevieve wilson says
Ok you over thinking about the movie. kids aren’t going to look at movies the same way we do.
And Bambi is a BOY not a girl.
Do you let you girl watch frozen? Cause then it teaches your girl to run away from problem instead of learning to fix it.
Lady you need to just lighten up, they are just movies. she might just be watching the movie for the funny fish and great songs
Toria says
First, let me start off by saying that I agree with the article. I have a philosophical problem with a lot of Disney movies and this movie is one of them. While you can argue that we are being cynical and overprotective, we all are doing what we think is best for our children… And there should be no argument against that. In a world of hypersexualization and diminutive portrayal of women, I have the right to be a little sensitive. I am sure that my daughter would not see the images and suggestions that is integrated in this movie. But I believe it is my job as her mother to be aware of its potential influences on her behalf. There is plenty of magic and make believe in my child’s life…And in our world femininity and power are not mutually exclusive.
Liz Nieman says
Thanks, Toria. Yes, I’m just doing what I feel like is good for her.
Christina says
I can see where you are coming from, however, it is just a movie. Kids that young aren’t going to understand everything negative you are saying about it.
Try to look at it this way….she gets him to fall in love with her just by being herself, even without her voice. It also teaches that when you are really in love you will do anything to keep from losing that person, which is why Eric dove into the ocean after her. At the end of the movie you can see how truly happy she is and everyone is there to share in her special day and support her. It teaches you to follow your heart, no matter what race you may be.
But either way you look at it…in the end, it is just a made up kids movie. Relax a little there momma, it’s not the end of the world.
Liz Nieman says
Good points, Christina. Thanks for a thoughtful comment, these are the kind I can appreciate.
Kristi says
This is a perfect example about why the original fairy tales are better than the messes Disney creates. In the original fairy tale, the mermaid dies and becomes sea foam. Or stars. Or something… I can’t remember which, but she dies. The Prince falls in love with a human princess and marries her. And there is the cost of not thinking things through when you rush madly after lust…
Liz Nieman says
So very true! A lot of the original stories are much better.
samantha bowman says
Im sorry but the original fairy tale stories which is the grim brother stories are really gruesome and bloody i would rather my child watch disney movies than here the grim brothers version for an example in cinderella the evil stepsisters cut off parts of there feet to fit in the shoe and than at the end they have there eyes gouged out by birds here is another snow white the evil stepmother has to wear hot iron shoes until her flesh melts off or until she dies so disney isn’t as bad as you think.
Tina says
I’ve read some blogs that make good points on certain movies and TV shows being a bad influence on children, but this has zero good reasoning. I do not understand where any of your ideas come from. Little mermaid was and is still one of my favourite Disney movies (after beauty and the beast) the biggest influence in your child’s life is you. Not movies, unless the movie is on repeat all day long which I than would understand why you don’t want your daughter watching it haha. But you gotta relax, maybe watch the movie with her and laugh at the funny parts, sing along, it’s a great movie. I think I will watch it today with my two daughters.
Nicole says
The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie when I was a kid. I watched it so much, I wore out the VHS tape and we had to buy a new one. Never once did I think I needed a man to be fulfilled or that I should keep quiet and defer to a man. I think people are way too sensitive these days and have begun reading way too much into tiny details. It’s JUST a movie. As long as children have positive role models and understand that movies aren’t real, everyone will be fine.
Brandie says
You don’t want your kids analyzing death so early on? Death can happen in your child’s life at anytime. These movies are designed to help kids understand that. You raise your kids how you want, lord knows my comment is going to suddenly change your life views.
Kris says
Exactly, I guess you better hide your precious bible or even the history books there is some crazy stuff in there!! 🙂
Liz Nieman says
Death has happened in their life and we’ve dealt with it as it comes, but I don’t shove it in their face when i don’t have to.
mandi says
After watching those Disney movies, I’m sorry your childhood was ruined from it, I’m sorry you’ve been robed of some things you feel are missing, I’m sorry you learned to give your voice away to men etc etc.
I, and many others, have actually not had those problems from those movies. The lion king taught me to be proud of my family, kids and where I came from. Little mermaid taught me that I can go after what ever I want for my life regardless if someone else thinks they know better for me. I could go on and on on the benefits from seeing those movies as a child.
I think you might spend too much time at home. Maybe had to many glasses of wine before coming to your conclusion??
I’m a little offended that you have just bashed ask those wonderful movies and distorted the take away. Get a hobby!
Liz Nieman says
I’m offended for myself and every other mother who spends a significant amount of time at home raising children. Are you inferring that being at home makes me ignorant? I really hope not.
This is my hobby and I thank you for supporting it by leaving a comment.
Bianca says
ok if we are going to get technical, how about the fact that Ariel felt that she had to hide her entire life, who she was, what she was interested in and what SHE wanted in life because her father was strict tyrant who never taught his daughter what things were.He just layed down the law and told her no. she was so scared of him in fact that she felt that once she found love she could only turn to Ursela for help, instead of having an open honest discussion with her father and trying to work it out (which in the end probably would have worked out since he is the one who let her go for her happiness) i think that is far more the lesson this mommy should be getting out of this movie…but instead she is to busy rasing girls who will be suspicious of anything with a penis and not have healthy relationships until their thirties if ever because mom had a crappy first husband. I watched the little mermaid as a girl, you know what i learned from it was a child…it would be great to be a mermaid and id like a singing crab. Children dont process these things the way you seem to think they do. Yes i remember watching the lion king with my 2 year old cousin when i was 16 and when the brother throws the dad into the stampede laughing at how horrible that was and thank god little kids dont get the underlying plots (which are usually shakespearean in theme and will actually provide great reference point later in life for your girls when they get those exspensive all girl college educations). It is one thing to decide that a movie is inappropriate, its another to try and find reasons to hate a cartoon. I am raising two boys and i spend my time teaching them respect, joy, giving, caring and compassion…perhaps its time you realized that all of things in that movie that you dont like are real world situations and by giving your children context you can later approach the subject and teach them a good life lesson…like how to go about choosing a boyfriend, to not hide your habits and keep things stashed in closets, to always always be able to come your your patent/parents and talk to them, how to identify bad people and stay away from them, that sometimes jumping thru hoops for a relationship is ok but that at a point there are far to many hoops and if hes not jumping with you then the rest of your relationship will be you making the effort….but with all that being said, your putting on a dvd when they are 5 to set up a converstation youll have then they are 15…maybe for once you should just go back to counting the carbs in their meals and let them enjoy a cartoon and be a kid.
Lizzie says
You are definitely thinking way too much – children don’t have the capacity to analyse themes in this way? Are you going to ban your child from watching anything or reading anything because every single thing in this world could be seen to have negative connotations if analysed too much.
The little mermaid was one of the first films I saw at the cinema as a child and I never thought any of the things you mention. Instead I grew up and became very senior in a huge global organisation largely dominated by men. I am also now a mother to a toddler with another on the way and my daughter loves the little mermaid because of the songs and the bright colours. As any mother I just want my children to grow up to be happy and I’m pretty sure her watching the little mermaid isn’t going to have any negative effect on that
Holly says
Most of us grew up on Looney Toons where a coyote repeatedly maimed himself in attempts to get a bird. When obviously he could have just ordered a Chicken Dinner instead of Acme explosives. Elmer Fudd had guns explode in his face. But walked away with everything in tact.
What lessons did these teach us as kids? Did you watch these shows as a child? Do you feel that you are not an emotionally healthy person as a result?
Perhaps your opinion can be made more reputable and persuasive with some evidence or studies cited to back up why you stand where you do.
Amber says
I feel like your missing the forest through all the trees. The overall message is to listen to your parents, because look at what can happen if you don’t. The romance part of the story happened as an extra cherry on top for the end, because if you remember right in the movie, they almost didn’t even get married. If you don’t over analyze every detail, your kids won’t either. As a kid all the movie made me want to do was go swimming and have a pet crab.
Emily Costello says
I totally agree. My 2.5 year old received the DVD for her birthday. Instead of watching it, I sing the songs from it to her. The gift-giver thinks she loves it (no feelings hurt) and we avoid her learning the horrible lessons it teaches.
Marina says
I love the examples you give as “good” role models for your daughters. In Brave Merida’s dad is maimed by a rabid cursed bear person and then she openly defied both of her parents by “taking her fate into her own hands.” Granted everything was resolved at the end of the movie and no one was married.
Then don’t even get me started on Frozen. Neither princess had any resolution or learned anything by the end of the movie, except maybe Elsa “accepting her powers,” but Ana still married the “next” guy she met after only being with him for what? a day perhaps? a little bit longer than the last but still wayyy to soon for marriage.
The thing is no movie or book is going to be perfect, but with all the negatives there are plenty of positives to disney (or other cartoon) movies or books that you can enforce as a parent. When watching the Little Mermaid, Brave, Nemo, or Lion King you can emphasize that what those children do or say to their parent’s isn’t nice and that we shouldn’t behave that way. Not to mention some of the consequences that could happened by not listening to your parents or other adult figures (deals with witches, kidnapped, or you could be murdered / dead if your dad doesn’t get there fast enough).
What about all of the children (including Disney himself, which is why a lot of character’s are this way) who only grow up with one parent due to death, divorce, or murder. How are those children supposed to cope with every day life if they have nothing to relate to? How are your children going to react when they meet someone in a similar situation; especially when they have never been exposed to it? Death is a part of life and it needs to be taught that it’s ok and how to cope with it.
Stories, whether it be in the form of a movie or book, teach some of life’s biggest lessons to your kids. Hiding and avoiding them could be doing more harm than good. Unless you have a tale with how to deal with every situation in life that is mild, appropriate, and doesn’t include anyone’s death. Good luck with that.
Anon says
Ugh…feminazis are the worst. A couple semantics before we get to the meat of the issue: “loses” has one “o” not two. And Bambi is a boy…he grows into a STAG remember??? So at the end of the day what’s wrong with the lion king? Or the little mermaid? People die. People that we love. Shielding kids from that reality doesn’t help them out. It makes them inept to adjust to reality. Your kids are probably going to grow up thinking that they are invincible. Congratulations! You have a little justin bieber or Miley Cyrus on your hands. Thanks a lot. We really needed more of those. And the little mermaid? how about living your own life and making sacrifices for those you love? Finding the balance between who you were and who you long to be. She went from being ashamed about her origins to embracing it and finding a balance between her happiness and her family’s acceptance.
Liz Nieman says
I hardly think that I will raise an awful human being because I kept her from watching The Little Mermaid and insist that she look up to good female role-models. I think I’m actually doing the opposite.
Alli says
This is absolutely ridiculous! It’s an “animated movie!” Totally not real! Anyone who is anyone knows that it is fake. And If we are going off of the morals that these Disney movies portray then how about that fact that Mulan lied? She lied and told people she was someone she wasn’t. All movies are people playing a character. Not all of them are supposed to have a lesson behind them! It’s fun for little girls to dress up with the red hair or the princess dress or whatever and be just that, a princess! You all are ridiculous if you won’t let them watch Disney movies. Would you rather them watch half the other crap that is on TV now a days? Lighten up, it’s just a movie.
Nicole says
I think you need to start giving your children the correct messages, and stop giving so much credit to movies. Instead of restricting so much, talk to your child during and after she watches.
Ashley says
Oh brother, I totally disagree. Ya ya girls shouldn’t get married at 16 usually and give up their voices for men. But the movie showed the consequences of her actions actually. Her father ended up turning into a little moss creature, and she was tricked. I think she learned her lesson. This is one of the best Disney movies of all time. So what if Ariel falls in love? Is that really a bad thing? For the sake of movies they only have so much time to plot out a story so yeah the characters fall in love fast. I don’t see this as a problem at all. I grew up watching this adorable movie and am now a music therapist and singer. This movie definitely helped encourage me to seek out and utlilize my musical talents. I turned out pretty good I would say. I ended up meeting my husband in high school and dated him for 6 years, waited until marriage to consumate, and have been married to him for almost 5 years now. I was not scarred by the message of falling too quickly in love and getting married at 16. Let’s just enjoy these classics and worry about more important things like how our country is completely and utterly falling apart.
Sunny says
I came to the comments to say the exact same thing….yes, she gives up her voice, and the minute Eric realizes she has no voice he dismissed her as not the one he’s looking for. So even without the ending, it has already shown that she chose poorly. It shows that changing herself didn’t have the desired outcome, and he would have been much more likely to fall in love with her if she hadn’t changed. He doesn’t even show a genuine interest in her (not really) until she gets her voice back at the end… And then there’s the whole craziness at the end with her father and the sea witch… Most definitely shows her making a poor choice and all of the consequences that resulted from that bad choice. Yes, she falls in love and gets married at 16. But she also learns that actions have consequences not just for yourself but for others as well, that family is important, and that being true to yourself (i.e. not giving up your voice) is better than changing yourself to get a man. Not bad lessons for girls to learn
Alli says
I completely agree with you! Couldn’t have said it better!!
Cameo says
This is the craziest thing I have ever heard!!!! This is exactly why kids are growing up with no imagination. For crying out loud let them live and watch cartooned movies and be able to act out there favorite scenes with there best friends and dress as princesses as they get older. Every little girl has her favorite princess, that they adore!!! You are going to absolutely ruin that. The adult perspective is always different on a movie than what a child’s innocent perspective is.
Liz Nieman says
It’s unfortunate if I made it seem like we don’t watch any movies because that isn’t the case – we actually watch movies a lot. My kids have extraordinary imaginations.
Jen says
Bambi is a “he”.
Simone says
Cartoons have flaws, like every human’s life on this planet has. I have a son, not a daughter, but even if I had a daughter i would not agree with you. Not allowing and controling what you kid watches is a mistake. Instead of doing that we should watch cartoons with our kids and talk about it afterwards. Bambi, Finding Nemo, The land before time ( i dont know if its Disney, but my son loves it ), are one of the favorite cartoons of all time. The life lessons in this cartoons are the best, i think its very important for our children to be prepared for life, know how to move on, never give up on their dreams. There is not a bad cartoon, but it is very important to give our children a chance to make a decision if they like it or not.
The only cartoon i ‘feel dissapointed’ about is Frozen. I dont understand how you like Elsa, the girl that lived locked up in her own fears and ran away from her problem. Sorry to say this but, you actually remind me of Elsa’s parents, who never encouraged their daugher to not fear her powers and be herself. The real hero in Frozen is Anna who never give up on her sister.
Holly says
#1- It’s just a movie.
#2- Sometimes a parent dies when
a child is still young and that
child needs to know that
sometimes that happens and it’s
ok to feel however they feel.
If, God forbid, something ever
happen to her, would the woman
who posted this want her
child to bottle up their feelings
because they weren’t ever
expecting that it was a possibility
or would she want them to talk
to someone?
#3- We grew up in those movies and
we turned out ok.
And last but not least….
#4- Bambi is a boy.
J-C1 says
lol, you should probably stop letting your TV raise your kids and explain to them that it’s a show. Besides, kids just want to watch cartoons. They like songs, and things that look like magic. They’re not reading between the lines and see that the Mermaid castle is made out of dicks, they don’t see that Ariel is actually shallow and doesn’t like her fin-feet tail thing. they’re kids. let them watch kids’ things. It’s better than most kids shows that just spout gibberish these days anyway.
Liz Nieman says
Thinking I let the television raise my kids because I’m against one particular movie is a little silly.
Bonnie Way says
Hmmm, interesting. Our girls have watched all the Disney movies and other ones you mentioned (except Old Yeller). We didn’t for years because I didn’t want them to go through a “princess phase” and sometimes, yes, I don’t like some of the themes of the Disney princess movies. (I do really like the new Cinderella movie – have you seen it?) At the same time, there are some good themes… like when Ariel’s father loves her enough to sacrifice himself for her (even after she’s spurned his love and disobeyed him – hmmm, that reminds me of Someone Else…). And Ursula’s advice that the prince just needs “body language” doesn’t really work – that’s not what brings Eric and Ariel together. She does need her voice – and they both need to work together, think fast, and be brave to defeat Ursula. We just actually watched the second Little Mermaid movie and I really liked that for the way it portrayed Eric and Ariel together. Overall, I think it’s worth being aware of these themes and talking them over with our daughters (in an age-appropriate way). Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz Nieman says
Good points, Bonnie. 🙂 I appreciate your thoughtful comment.
Lisa says
So, while I agree The Little Mermaid is a story with all the wrong lessons for young impressionable girls it opens up the opportunity to discuss these poor choices and keep the conversation going. Our girls are never too young to begin building their self esteem and teaching them where to find bad choices. Another note about this post, at the beginning talking about death and sadness and not wanting kids to see these things, I strongly disagree. Death and sadness and hard times are a big part of life! We can still let them be lids and give them tools to cope with these things. Watching the lion king as a kid is when i first remembering having aympathy for others. The key is talking to our kids and letting them know life isn’t always rainbows and play doh and sometimes it will be sad and that’s ok. Shielding them from it now will bring a rude awakening later. Just my two cents.
Liz Nieman says
Thanks, Lisa. 🙂 Death, unfortunately, is part of life and we’ve had to deal with it a time or two. I just don’t like the really intense, heart-wrenching death scenes like in The Lion King.
Meredith says
Ariel had an obsession with being s human way before she ever say the prince. Did you see her treasure trove? Sure, she gave up her voice for a man, but she also gained legs and an adventure. I see this movie as having a dream and following it, which is something I think we all want to teach our children. You know what I thought about this movie when I was a kid? I loved the songs and splashing my hair like that in the pool.
And you do know that the Lion King is just a cartoon version of hamlet, regarded as one of the greatest stories of all time, right?
Ashley says
And that dress when she walks out of the water! 🙂
Ashley says
What in the world?! The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie as a child and I have already put it on in the background while playing with my 15 month old daughter. Children don’t think the way adults do. I doubt any little girl would think they way you are. Do you believe in love at first sight? That’s basically what happened in this movie. Yes she’s 16. I turned 17 2 weeks before meeting my now husband. We never once broke up and have been together for 11.5 years!
I can’t believe how sensitive the world has become! What ever happened to patenting your children to know the difference between right and wrong, that movies are not real life, that the things they see on TV and read in magazines are not always truthful, etc.? Do you really think when your kids are old they aren’t going to sneak and watch a movie you wouldn’t approve of? That doesn’t mean they’ll think they can fly, can blow up cities, etc.
Tommy says
I agree completely, we HAVE become so sensitive to this kind of stuff because of the deterioration of this generation. The World has become such a disappointment because of our constant inability to make meaningful life choices, to a point that WE (yes I blame us as a collective) have found the need to point the finger at something that brought us joy and a wonderous Imagination!!
Yes I also acknowledge that their state of mind would not pick up any of that ‘grown-up stuff’, because obviously you we did not when we watched Disney movies time and time again!! They feel and learn these different emotions from these movies out of curiosity and wonder, they don’t observe and review bad choices, selfishness and ignorance during their views…
…..I say keeping them from viewing the beauty of Disney and empowering their imagination is ‘Selfish’!
Rebecca says
Historically when she got married she was already considered an old maid seeing as back then girls were married off at 12 and 13. Because for that time period their life expectancy was about 29 and 30 due to diseases and plague that there was medical treatment available. Ariel has always been my favorite princess, no i didnt grow up to disregard my father, i have not sold my own voice to get the attention of a man. I actually learned how to sing by watching the little mermaid, im 30, and im a woman and im independent not because of being raised on disney movies but because my own mother instilled those work ethics and because MY MOTHER IS MY ROLE MODEL not an animated character. The fact that you feminists say so mucn but yet you guys are stay home mothers at least most of you. I cant stand you feminsts, always have to have an input on what should go on this, that and the other and saying this not knowing the history behind the subject and always having to have an input about something. Im just curious as to how many of you have actually researched the history or if many of you slept through history because “it was too boring, and it isnt relevant to todays standards blah blah blah blah” do us all a favor and read a history book.
Liz Nieman says
I actually never mentioned marriage in my post and don’t see how history plays a part in my points in any way.
schmie says
the problem is not that it’s “just a movie”. i agree as far as those Disney movies transport a very questionable model of femininity and i do believe that this issue should be addressed. BUT i also believe that death, loss and any other feeling good or bad are too advanced for children. why not grab the chance and talk with your daughter about all these things. why not ask her whether she would have given up her voice for a boy. why/why not? ask her if she can understand why simba is so sad. make those movies with all their flaws an opportunity to generate an open mind and enlightenment within your daughter. this is what will make her confident and independent and (to me most important) empathetic.
schmie says
sorry, i meant to say, that those feelings are NOT too advanced.
JustAGirl says
Didn’t Ariel want to be human before she even knew who Eric was? It was her dream for a long time.
I grew up watching the little mermaid, and it never once occurred to me that she gave up “everything” to be with Eric. I always saw it as she gave up everything to live her dream of being human.
Laura says
I’m at work and listening to my Broadway Showtunes Pandora station, and “Part of your World” comes on during lunch as I read this post, which gets me thinking… Perhaps it could also be posited that Ariel makes a choice to live life on her own terms, outside of the confines of an oppressive father and social system that uses fear-based propaganda to keep her from exploring a lifestyle she feels emotionally and bodily compelled to live. Ariel is obsessed with being HUMAN, not with falling in love. It’s only through her rescue of Prince Eric that she decides to take a chance on living in the human world. The movie even opens with her having skipped out on being exploited and on display for her voice and physical features at a palace function… essentially being pigeon-holed into the destiny of her sisters and the typical “good” princess, only there for the amusement of the people. Instead she is out exploring and seeking adventure with Flounder, being inquisitive, exploring, discovering. After an explosive fit anger from her father, where he is physically destructive to her prized possessions, she sings a song about being a part of a new world- being able to ask questions and find answers for herself. She says things like, “I want to know what a fire is, and why does it, what’s the word? Burn”. She shows herself to be someone who wants to ask her own questions and hear answers so that she can feel her own truths.
She decides to trade her voice out of desperation when her closest friends and family won’t listen to her wants or feelings. One could likely argue that Ariel has the free-agency to choose this destiny, and shows no sign of regret at having made a choice, until she is double-crossed by the evil Ursula, which is a lesson all to common in life… get into business, bed, or dealings with the wrong person, and you may be cheated or hurt. And, if I remember right, Ariel is supposed to get her voice back if she gets the kiss on the end of the third day? Might be wrong on that one… it’s been years. But if so that would indicate to me that Ariel never believed she’d be without her voice.
Ultimately when things go wrong, Ariel is only gets out of trouble and is allowed to live her own life out of the approval of her father, who had the magic Ursula had all along and could have prevented the whole story by not being so controlling and adamant that his daughter stay within his possession. So perhaps this is less about a woman losing her voice when she never really had one to begin with at the hands of the patriarchy.
Liz Nieman says
I really appreciate the time you took to express your thoughts and opinions, Laura. You do make great points.
Maribeth says
Everyone had an opinion but I think you are being nieve and ignoring many parts of this movie. Ariel is breaking boundries. It isn’t about how long she knew him and even if it is what is so wrong about love at first site. It isn’t always about appearance but seeing someone’s soul. Ariel feels that she is trapped and wants to explore other words that she is not allowed to due to an oppressive father who was scared from an event that made him hate another people or species. He was blinded. Ariel opened up diplomacy. Is she not the perfect role model for those who have dated other races or genders? She is inspiring. Also isn’t this movie a great lesson for any child who has lost a parent or loved one for any reason to show that life does go on. Ariel breaks boundries so sorry that she does not fit into your stereotypical perfect family. You probably wouldn’t like Elsa and Anna so much if they were of another race or homosexual either, am I right? Because you fail to point out Mulan who was heroic or Pocahontas.
Heather says
First, Bambi loses (not looses) his (not her) mother.
Moving on…
Really? It is a movie. Are you not going to let your child watch anything that is make believe? It is no wonder that so many children are not equipped to deal with the real world. You protect them from everything with no opportunity to learn fiction from fact and you create helpless teens and adults.
By the way, this cartoon remains my favorite Disney creation. I saw it as a young teen. I am an educated, independent, successful woman. I never needed a man to complete me or make me happy. My parents taught me this thing called “make believe” and respect for their authority. Your daughter isn’t going to make all of her life decisions based upon one cartoon.
Naidin says
When I was little my fav movie was the little mermaid, just because I like mermaids and red hair… nothing else, I grow up knowing that loves matters, but not just in a relationship with a boy/girl, also in friendship and family, I grow up thinking this because that’s what my parents told me, not because THIS movie, to me was just a cartoon, like other disney movies.
The education starts in home, in how we behave ourselves and how WE EXPLAIN THE WORLD to our kids, if you teach your girl that Ariel is a useless girl who fall in love with a handsome boy, then that’s it. But if you teach your girl that mermaids are cool, that Ariel should hear his father and act in a more mature way… that’s it.
Our kids watch the world through our eyes…
Teresa says
I have no problem with the Little Mermaid. I watched it every single day the summer I was about 8. No harm done. I can still sing the songs by heart. I am also a strong woman who is married to a man I am confident loves me for all the things I am. I didn’t expect to have to give up anything. I’m not damaged, weak, insecure. I think the big deal is if children ALSO see this message in their every day lives in people they look up to and have ACTUAL influence on them
Ms. McCall says
I decided to comment because I wondered why you mentioned specifically that you didn’t want to show this movie to your daughter, but you also have a son, right? if it’s not a good message, then it’s not a good message for any kids, not just girls. Boys should learn the same values as girls, that’s part of the problem.
Anyway, after deciding to comment, and scrolling down through what was here already, I wanted to add that I feel very sorry that you had to receive so many ignorant comments from people who don’t understand that stories are how humans have passed along our culture and values to our kids since humans developed the ability to use language. I do believe that the stories we tell have a huge impact on how children are socialised and start to understand the world and their place in it, and I wish all of your commenters understood that.
Liz Nieman says
So do I, so do I…
Andrea says
Ok crazy. You’re almost as bad as Food Babe, respectively.
Night says
I have watched all the Disney movies as a child that were out there at the time and never once did I confuse fantasy with reality. Never once did I assume I must “give up everything for a guy” in order to have him love me. Teach your children morals people and what’s reality and what’s not. Stop blaming cartoons for your horrible “parenting”. Take responsibility and face the fact that you’re horrible parents and shouldn’t reproduce.
Blaming cartoons is a joke and it’s pathetic ! LMFAO @ YOU WORTHLESS PARENTS!
Liz Nieman says
I’m sorry for you, I really am. How sad that you would speak to someone that way that you have never met or know anything about. My thoughtfulness about the type of things I want to influence my daughter shows I am anything but a horrible parent.
Laura says
Okay, I don’t totally agree with all she has written here, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call her a horrible parent. What a terrible thing to say, considering you don’t know her at all. Criticize the points she’s making, that’s fine. But don’t judge her parenting.
Jl says
This is some BS! Lol She said that this teaches girls to give up their voice for a man and then disrepect their fathers. #Contradiction. She stood up for herself and did what she felt she needed to do for her own life because her father was being controllin and ignorant about what happens out of the sea lol. He kept saying how dangerous it was but the only danger i saw was Ursula and she was in the sea! lol the whole song “Part Of Your World” was a song dedicated to women standing on their own two feet!
Then she said it teaches girls that all you need is a pretty man to get a face . No conversation , no spending time, etc. they spent time together. Every scene was him liking her more because of the cute and bashful things she did. And the only reason he didn’t fall in love with her was because he was waiting to hear the voice of the girl who SAVED HIS LIFE. Lol
Interesting read be they missed the whole point of the movie lol.
Courtney says
First of all, what makes you think kids are analyzing these messages at that age? They can’t, and they aren’t. At what age did you decide these Disney animated movies were inappropriate for children to watch? Did you decide that when you were a child watching these movies? My guess is no, so why do you think young children would even understand your “reasons” for why this movie isn’t suited for young children?
Additionally, these children movies help them deal with the harsh reality that death happens. When there are children who have lost their own parents, wouldn’t you think they could find some sort of comfort and understanding when the see their beloved Disney characters going through the same thing? Yes it’s depressing, but so is when young parents tragically die leaving behind their own children! It’s called life.
Second, Ariel doesn’t give up her voice just to be with a man. Did you not hear the lyrics to “Part of Your World?” She wanted to be human! She was also willing to give up her voice so she could be a human on land as well as be with a man she fell in love with.
As far as your “metaphor” of Ariel giving up her voice symbolizing a woman giving up her “voice” when she marries a man, I feel the need to re-state my point in my first paragraph. No child is going to take that message away after viewing this film! How old were you when you came up with this analogy? Were you as young as your daughters are right now? My guess is…. no. So what makes you think they’ll have the literary or film background knowledge to also pick out that metaphor. That’s assuming they’d even agree with you on that. I find your “symbolism” not very well thought out and a little forced to be honest.
You said it yourself, Ariel is a dumb girl who gives up her voice and stupidly falls in love with a man she doesn’t even know. Maybe this movie will help young children learn from Ariel’s mistake, instead of repeating them. This movie is fiction. It’s not meant to be realistic and isn’t expected to be considered a guide on how every young girl should live their life.
Dena says
First of he didn’t fall in love with her because of her pretty face IT WAS HER VOICE. why the heck do u think he didn’t recognize her and Ursula was able to trick him. Second who the freak cares. It is a movie and kids don’t over analyze everything like some annoying adults. Get over yourself and let kids be kids. SMH
Joe says
Obviously this is Disney’s fault. Because these folklores and fairy tales were created by and the sole property of the Walt Disney Corporation. Maybe make it a teaching moment and not keep them away from fun and interesting stories.
Kelso says
wow woman, you have too much time on your hands to be able to sit down and over analyse a Disney movie. I grew up watching Disney movies (little mermaid was my favourite) and I grew up a strong woman believing that men should love me for who I am and not what I am. A child does not think “oh she had to change to get her man” she thinks “when I grow up, I’m going to marry a prince”.
gobacktoyourdayjob says
You seem to make a half valid point, extremely briefly and then I was literally scrolling for the other rest of this half assed, extremely poorly written piece…
By the way, If your children cannot ‘handle’ contents and themes portrayed in the average Disney movie – you have already done them a great disservice and are not preparing them for the realities of the world.
Alanna says
Stupidest thing I ever read….
Celeste says
Don’t bash someone because of how they raise their child. Everyone has their own way. You may think its a harmless fictional fairytale movie but some movies do have a big influence on our youngens, and sometimes its not the greatest one. So let’s be nice! Have a blessed day everyone!
Mom of 2boys says
Ooohh boyyy
Cut the crap
Ive watched almost every single disney movie cartoons when i was a kid. I have 6 more siblings who grew up watching d same.
And while back then we didnt really understand english, guess what?
Never for once did we think bad about the things that the cartoon done & neither of us were influenced by em.
Its practically straight forward
Naughty ones will learn its lesson
Good ones will be rewarded
Bad ones will be regretted
Once d movie finished, we continue with our normal routine
No,
u will not catch us crying & sobbing in our bed bcoz mufassa dies
U will not see us trying to call birds by singing bcoz apparently Cinderella did it
Or brush our hair with fork
Or experimenting by kissing a frog hoping it will turn into a human, if it does then YAY! Its magic
Or wishing to marry an ogre cause apparently he’s nice and d real human person isnt
Or jump out of d window and fly to neverland whenever our parents were angry at us
And the list goes on and on..
God gave us some senses to establish right from wrong
And we too are allowed to make mistakes in order to learn and be mature
Cartoons will be cartoons
Fairytales, make believes and silly cartoons are good to unwind our body and mind from the reality of our ever stressing world
Its good for our imagination as well
I do agree that lines need to be drawn somewhere if its morally inappropriate
But cmone, unless ur kids were medically born without common sense, u should watch more minions and spongebob to loosen up
DadofTwo says
I disagree. For starters children look do not analyse movies (or the world) the same way adults do. Millions of girls and boys have grown up watching Disney movies and have turned out just fine as adults. At 7 & 9 my girls are now coming to the realisation that Santa & The Tooth Fairy aren’t real. Did they suffer any emotional or psychological damage for the 7 or 8 years that they did? No. I think we cottonwool our kids for no good reason
Kimmie says
Or…..you could take the time to teach your kid about the differences between fantasy and reality.
Courtney says
Except the fact that Eric didn’t fall in love with her until she for her voice. They did spend time together,yes not a lot of time, but he knew something was off. He didn’t pursue her until she regained her voice. So if you are going to take the time to criticize a childhood classic at least take the time to watch it fully!
Anne says
I feel bad for your kids.
Poor things.
Anne says
Poor unfortunate souls*
Liz Nieman says
You shouldn’t feel bad at all, they are loved and adored and very happy.
Amanda says
I don’t feel bad for her kids at all. You know why… because they have two great parents actively involved in their lives who care about them. Not just the here in now but their actual future. They are developing strong children who will eventually turn into strong adults. Something that definitely lacks in the world!!!!!!!
Amanda says
Wow people seriously come on… she is simply stating that she wants her daughter to have strong role models and to not believe in the fairy tale of this is what life is. Yes it’s just a movie but this is also her OPINION and her right as a mother. No parent is going to allow their child to watch, or be involved with things that they don’t seem fit for their child or their beliefs. Call it sheltering, throw jabs about her parenting style and talk about over analyzing… but the fact of the matter it’s her life and her decision to raise her children how she wants. No one told you to read this blog or this post YOU chose to. Just like she has the choice to voice her opinion on this subject. There is nothing wrong with wanting your son or daughter to grow up knowing they can do for themselves. And she is in NO WAY a bad mother.
Mandi says
I would just like to point out that Eric does not fall in love with Ariel because of her face. Yes, he is drawn to that at first, BUT, when Ariel first turns into a human what happens? They spend time together, and he falls in love with her without knowing that she was the one he saw earlier. And the movie makes it clear that Ariel’s decisions we’re the best choice, it’s not endorsing those bad decisions.
Also, Belle from Beauty and the Beast! She’s an amazing example!! She shows courage when she saves her father, and if these movies were all about finding man, she would have said yes to Gaston. But did she? Heck no.
Brenda says
Ok we live in a world where there is good and bad in everything and everyone. How is it not depressing and traumatic for a father to lose his wife and children in a violent act?(FINDING NEMO). Mulan is great ok but she lied to be able to fight in war she pretended to be someone she wasnt to honor a mans name, her father, so she gave up who she was for a man. we can analyse everysingle disney, nickelodion, and dream works movies and all of them have good and bad messeges. Yes what our children watch influece their personality and our job is to teach them right from wrong we overreact to a situation of a movie we are creating spider webs in our children’s mind. We have to let them learn by experience and be by thier side to help them and guide them.
Jenny says
I read this hoping at the end it would have a note saying **SATIRE** but, sigh, it seems to be legit. I only comment because I am getting tired of subtle “mommy shaming” blog posts, and I feel this falls into that category. (Whether it was your intent or not) If you want to totally shelter your kids, fine, but don’t publicly call out other moms who have it hard enough. That said, there are worse things you could do as a parent by far, but if you’re gonna passively-aggressively shame others on a public forum, then you will get some of these comments who don’t agree- which I feel are the majority, and the others are lying(j/k, hah.) I’m not a mom yet but plan to show this to my kids because its a favorite of mine! And I even grew up with a “voice” despite my having watched it!
Liz Nieman says
Mommy shaming this is not. I have made this choice and don’t judge others for theirs in the way people are judging me. In fact, I’m avidly against it.
Julie says
This blogger needs to delete her blog. She is the stupidest mother ever. Disney movies can teach lessons and it’s how you raise your kids to portray right from wrong that matters. They can be good lessons. Obviously she sucks at being a mother if she thinks her kids will have that low of self worth if she allows them to watch a Disney movie.
Liz Nieman says
Thank you for supporting this blog by leaving a comment – I appreciate it.
Victor says
As a father, of a 4 year old girl. An avid reader of Marvel comics. A gamer. An all around nerd if you will. I have let my daughter watch just about everything. Except certain tyoes of movies. Shes seen all the Marvel movies currently on dvd. She sees all Disney movies. Hell one of her current faverite movies is Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. She doesnt get a sheltered life like you give yours. She gets taught lessons about life better outside of these movies. Hell she gets taught things better without christianity to cloud her mind. She loves the Little Mermaid. She understands its just a movie. And Frozen is definetly one of Disneys worst since Princess and the frog.
ge says
do you actually believe that your daughter has such deep analytical skills to fully grasp the concepts you are talking about? if she does then she would be too smart to follow such shenanigans.
Vivi says
I understand your concern and I get it. I almost agreed with everything you said until I read another comment that made better sense to me. It’s good to talk through the movie or at the end of the movie and see what your child feels. Then correct it by explaining Ariel was wrong or that unfortunately bad things do happen in life (the lion king). I won’t bash you for doing what your doing with your children but maybe you can consider movies like the little mermaid or the lion king when they are a little older?
Reem says
I am not sure why people have some angry comments. You are the ones who should chill. She was just voicing her opinion we don’t have to attack her for it. I am glad to read your comments, I didn’t see it that way and for a week I was really disturbed when my daughter wakes up early and put dresses on and come to wake me up to ask “mommy do I look pretty? Mommy do you think I am pretty now? And she started trying to kiss her brother and other boys at school on the lips while closing her eye” And I noticed she looks in the mirror a lot. Lately she started to ask why she doesn’t look like the princesses in the movies? I told her her heart is beautiful and she is kind and polite and the only princess she should act like is princess Sofia… She try to do the right thing and if she made a bad choice she apologized and try not to make it again. She is only 4! So from now on we only watching winni the pooh, Sofia, dr macstuffin, Mickey Mouse club hous etc…..
Jen says
Loses* her voice.
Jen says
And loses* his* mom. Bambi was a boy.
Sher says
Thankfully these children have a MeeMaw who will save the day so that all the truly amazing Moms who left such helpful, insightful, and supportive comments can rest easy. I’m just grateful we live in a society where women can still bash other women on the internet, and where we all know the presence of boobs & an ovary or two means you aren’t actually a troll.
http://sherbailey.com/hey-mommy-youre-an-internet-asshle/
Jen says
Bambie “looses” his mother? What did Bambi break his mother free from? By the way, they’re just movies. You can let your daughter watch these fairy tale stories and still teach her how to be a strong independent woman. I loved Little Mermaid when I was kid and I’m a very independent woman who can take care of herself.
Josi says
“And for those of you who think I’m not prepared for the future, oh you betcha. I’ve already signed handwritten letters to my daughters’ future teachers so she isn’t exposed to any more aspects of life that I hate and choose to ignore in my blissful bubble.
On this list, I’ve included Anne Frank’s diary (well.. anything Holocaust related, really, I mean.. Jews? Dying? Depressing!), the Women’s Rights movement (I wouldn’t want my daughter to see so many oppressed females, you know? The world is hers and she doesn’t need to know who fought to get her there!), anything related to Middle Eastern culture because I don’t care how politically correct I’m supposed to be, WHY expose children to women wearing hijabs because their husbands and religion say it’s sacred!? — and last but not least I’ve even written a list of excluded musicals, because I know how those flamboyant male theater teachers can sneak in their hidden agendas to derail my daughter’s talent just because she has a VAGINA (and yes, she uses this term proudly!).
Stories like Annie, hello, her parents are DEAD and her female role model is a prostitute running an orphanage, The Sound of Music, because again why waste such a beautiful voice on some other man’s children instead of a career!?, and of course anything that was an original broadway show before a Disney movie, like The Lion King! Who cares if it’s based on some Shakespeare nonsense – MY daughter won’t learn about him either! Why study the writing of a man who only worshipped BEAUTY?
Oh yes, I’ve got all the bases covered. My daughter will be a strong woman. She won’t resent me at all or become a rebellious teenager who thinks her mother is a control freak at all. She will be perfect. PERFECT.”
Bob Wilson says
This is an amazing article about how cartoons are warping our youth! Take Curious George as another example. He lives with “the man in the yellow hat”. The man has no name! Authority has no name! So George runs around with unchecked curiosity and causes all sorts of mischief.
And what are the consequences of that mischief? Nothing, because it all works out in the end! Oh, you were curious about fire so you burnt down our house? It’s ok, I wanted to build a better house anyway.
We all know this will lead children to be curious about being homeless on the street and want to live there, where they will be free from authority. It must end!
Sarah says
YOU MISSED THE BOAT ON THIS ONE!! Ariel is not submissive, she’s a free-thinker, evidenced by the way she rebels against her father to collect human artifacts and become human. YOUR FUNDAMENTAL MISCONCEPTION:: She didn’t become human ONLY to meet the Prince, she WANTED TO BE WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE- she wanted to see, wanted to see them dancing— and the appearance of the Prince was merely a catalyst for that deeply personal decision. What she wants to do with her voice is HER CHOICE, she didn’t do it to fulfill any condition of the Prince’s love, and they still found ways to communicate. The point, I feel, was that actions speak louder than words- it’s okay to follow your heart even it requires sacrifice and challenges your family. You may not feel that’s a good message for your kids, that’s your choice– but make no mistake about it– ARIEL WOULD’VE BECOME HUMAN AS SOON AS SHE MET URSULA WITH OR WITHOUT THE PRINCE.
Ariel says
Okay first off people need to stop attacking this woman’s choices. She doesn’t let her daughter watch the movie? Big deal.
Now I do disagree with her point that the movie promotes voiceless women. Eric is saddened to learn Ariel doesn’t have a voice is genuinely pleased when she gets it back. Ariel and Eric’s relationship was built on time spent together once she left the ocean. What I took from this movie is sacrifices must be made before anything can truly be gained. Which is a lesson lived every day.
That being said I still dislike this movie for entirely personal reasons. Let’s just say fish jokes got old quick for me in school.
Also to the writer, Bambi is a boy. A quick proof read of the first paragraph can clear this up.
Ariel says
“Eric is saddened to learn Ariel doesn’t have a voice is genuinely pleased when she gets it back.”
Should read: Eric is saddened to learn Ariel doesn’t have a voice and is genuinely pleased when she gets it back.
Sorry about that, phone auto-corrected the and out.
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says
I bought this movie for my four year old for Christmas. I was so excited to watch this movie I had so enjoyed, until we watched it. I absolutely saw the elements in this movie that I don’t want my daughter to internalize. She isn’t just a kid who watches TV casually. She absorbs everything she watches. I’ve let her watch a few things and really regretted it later because I realize how deeply she interacts with the characters. She is so empathetic. I’m not throwing it away because at some point I can talk with her about Ariel’s choices, but I really agree that it sends some questionable messages. Anyone who has studied psychology or sociology can tell you that messages in media are profoundly affecting our children and culture but so subconsciously that we are not aware that we’re getting all sorts of messages in what we watch. Heck, I’ve started really monitoring what I watch. Garbage in, garbage out. A Disney movie is better than some things, but worse than others. My daughter loves the Beginners’ Bible series on youtube. She loves Daniel Tiger and is learning to be kind and gentle and I’m not worried if other people don’t get it. I’m not raising her to please them.
Lauren says
Ariel was obsessed with objects and gizmos from the human world LONG before she found Eric on that ship. She was curious about a new world, not necessarily about the man. Yes, she did have a “love at first sight” moment, but only because her love of the human world lead her to it. She gave up her voice so that she could get Eric, but also to explore the human world, something she always wanted to do. I may not completely support the message of giving up her voice, but at some point in everyone’s life you have to give up something you love to start a new adventure. I really didn’t appreciate the complete need to cut out The Little Mermaid from your daughter’s life. Show it to her but teach her the way to be a strong woman too. As a huge Disney fan, I’m excited to be able to one day show my children these movies but also be able to teach them what they should take away from the movies.
Kelly says
I guess you could view it as Ariel giving up her voice to be with a man she loves… OR, you could see it as she was willing to sacrifice something she loved and to put her faith in love. As for her father, yes, she disobeyed him. There are people in this world who will try to tell you who to be and what to believe. But you have to form your own beliefs yourself. Ariel was told humans were bad, but she knew it couldn’t be true. She followed her heart and went to find out for herself. Parents aren’t always right. They are human too, and they make mistakes. There’s nothin wrong with a child being curious and testing their parents belief by exploring and forming their own. As for beauty and looks, Eric fell in love with her voice. And as for me, when I was a young child watching this movie, I never for a second questioned myself or how I looked. I was meerly gushing over how much I love the sea and how I wanted to swim around like Ariel. Children do soak things up, but I don’t firmly believe they have the full ability to dissect these movies to the core. And the Lion King? That movie is beautiful. And I’m sorry you can’t see that. Everyone has their rights to their opinions. But I can’t wait until I have a daughter and we can cuddle up to watch TLM together!
Stefanie says
I have never ever commented on a blog before but since I watched TLM just 2 days ago with my daughter I was curious to read your post. While I respectfully see how you view this movie I am in amazement as to how you parallel Ariel’s father in your view. When I watched it 2 days ago as a mother with a daughter (I had not seen the movie in many, many years) the most striking thing that stuck out to me is that her father refused to listen or speak with his daughter. I thought how sad it was that the parent would not teach his child.
In the story Triton refuses to speak about the human world knowing that there are bad things/people on the surface. He has closed his mind to the possibility that there may be good things as well. His refusal only makes his headstrong daughter more curious leading her to disobey and go off by herself. Your opinion is that your daughter will not watch this because she will think that to get a man she will have to lose her voice. So by not showing it to your daughter are you not giving her the chance to see for herself the lessons that can be gained from the story? Rather than let your daughter make her own conclusions and discuss them with her are you making her ignorant? What happens when she may see this at a friends house or sees friends at school playing mermaid or whatever? What will you tell her then? How would you approach it? If we do not teach our daughter the reality of this world what happens when they are faced with something on their own and have no lesson to draw from? The reality is that there are things that happen in this world that are horrible, I have seen many as an emergency room nurse. We need to teach our children how to handle them, rise above them and hopefully as we teach them perhaps things may change.
I believe that we are all trying to do our best with what we have. Lord knows I fail at trying to do the right thing all the time. I respect and thank you for putting your opinion out there as I have. There is a quote that kept running through my head as I read your post. I found it when I was pregnant with my first child and I strive to live by it. “Do not handicap your children by making their lives easy.”- Robert A. Heinlein.
Best of luck to you on this adventure in parenting.
Missy says
I love how everyone who hates this movie completely disregards the fact that Ariel has wanted to see the human world and has been obsessed with it long before she ever sets eyes on Eric.
People also forget that she saves him, her father finds out about it, completely flips his lid, and destroys all of the items she’s been collecting for her entire life. So maybe, just maybe, she defied her father and made a deal with Ursula for more reasons than just “LOL CUTE BOY”.
But yeah, we can just take a female character who has a mind and dreams of her own and reduce her to a boy crazy idiot and call it feminism, instead of applauding her for going for her dreams.
A woman should live for herself. She doesn’t exist to please her family, And she shouldn’t be torn down just because her dreams end up including a guy.
Also Eric liked her for more than just her face. Her personality was coming through, even though she couldn’t talk. They spent a lot of time together.
Tricia says
Liz, saw your mom’s post and response to the haters. I am a stay at home single mom of 5. Ages 20, 18, 4, 3 and 2. I just adopted the 3 youngest as a sibling group. Bravo to you for insightful, intentional…mindful parenting. Its tough, I just removed TV from our home. Its your opinion and your thoughts….You are the mommy, not the haters. Stay strong!
cheryl says
Yes I would agree too, when it is the matter of showing girls weak and desperate. As for concept of life and death I am not too worried about movies like Lion King, as human we need to learn lots of things and happiness and grieving are very basic ones. You can choose not to introduce your kids to the concepts of death or loosing someone, but you can not stop the real world happenings. I lost my dad when i was 12, my youngest sisters were 9 and 1, Children who are born at farms see this cycle of life and death since they are born. their pets, come and go, their favorite horse or goat might be too old to grow with them.
Tammie says
As soon as I read the title to your article, I knew that you had opened a can of worms. I knew that the bashing would come, and boy did it ever!
While I don’t agree with what you said, I do agree that you have the right to your own opinion, and that you have the right to choose what your children watch.
I was a stay at home momma, and it was the hardest job I ever had. I made mistakes along the way, as do all mothers. Back in the day us moms would get the kids on the bus and then take a long walk in the neighborhood, most times we discussed parenting issues. Now, I can’t recall ever discussing how a Disney movie was sending poor messages to our children. Things have certainly changed. Blogging can be a good way to express your thoughts, but you need to be prepared for the deluge that will surely come.
Blessings to you as you continue your path of motherhood.
Sally says
What 6 year old little girl is gonna see this sweet movie the same way you do??? No child cares about all that crap! Unless you preach to them about all that ADULT stuff, at age 6! It’s a children’s movie, its about love. Can that not be enough these days? Do you women HAVE to find something to bitch about?!
Sierra Hays says
I would like to point out that Ariel wanted to be a human way before she had seen Eric. Have you not listened to the song “Part of Your World?” Ariel sang this song about wanting to be a part of them, wanting to learn more about them, before meeting Eric. Eric just so happened to be the final push in her decision. She did not change herself just because of a man. She changed herself for her own freedom and to finally feel good in her own skin.
P.S Bambi is a boy
Emily says
I honestly couldn’t even read past the first paragraph in this article when you called Bambi a she…
Heather Reading says
You’re reading WAY too much into it, most kids only see the pretty fish, not the things adults see at all. My eldest was a massive Disney (especially Ariel) fan and actually at 15 she’s the more sensible one out of all her friends when it comes to boys. She’s far too focused on getting into Uni than getting involved in relationships and I doubt very much she can even remember those early Ariel days.
At the end of the day it’s what she learns from you that counts not a 60 minute animation.
Kristen says
This was my absolute favorite movie growing up! Last time I knew, it was the parents job to teach their children what to look for in a mate – not a movie! Like has been previously stated – movies are make believe – not truth! I didn’t believe everything the movie “told me to do”. They are not meant to take the place of the parent(s) in a child’s life for teaching morals and general things about life! Also, I completely agree that people in the world these days are way WAY to sensitive to everything. It’s just a good story. Nothing more.
Too many people are offended by every little thing and that’s really sad! It really is! People miss out on terrific things with their close-mindedness!
Ashley629 says
My husband passed away when my daughter was 2. When we watch the little mermaid, we laugh at the fact she marries a boy (my daughter is 4 now) & I point out that her father loved her enough to see her happy, so she gets to have legs rather than her fin. For me- it’s a strong message about a father’s love for his daughter. Since she doesn’t get to experience it- I have to be creative. My daughter also knows you must be grown up & well educated before you marry. Again- she’s 4. Wow…fairy tales are just that- reality is life. This is what our children NEED to know. Reminds me of how children develop unhealthy relationships with imaginary beings, ex. The slenderman murder. The little mermaid doesn’t exist but let’s talk about the message & what your child mind interprets from it.
Samantha says
Hi Liz, amongst all the negative, I just wanted to say that I understand what you mean. I do wonder how old your little girl is in saying there are a list of movies you feel she is not ready to see (such as The Lion King) because I do completely agree that at a young age, you have to be careful about what your children see and hear. Every child is different as well and it’s up to the parents to decide when their kid is ready for something. The Lion King has always been one of my favorite Disney movies though. There has been a lot of controversy lately over the way Disney females are portrayed and the kind of storylines they have.
While I won’t always keep my children away from such Disney movies, as parents it is our decision when to introduce something, if ever. I applaud you for taking this stand because there are a lot negative opinions in the comments towards you and your opinion. Keep doing what is best for your family =]
Lynn says
I have found that the children who have been “corrupted” by Disney films, whether it is the illusion of what “Happily Ever After” means, “love at first sight”, family over love interests, and etc… is because 1. their parents don’t talk to them about the messages in the film, 2. it is an escape that they crave that is away from their own reality, or 3. those around them are building up the messages even further. I grew up on Disney films and never had grand illusions of that my life would be like a fairy tale or that happily ever after was perfect. I continue to love Disney movies, and although almost all of them have a darker side, they teach beautiful lessons. And I would rather have my children watch Disney films than watch the cartoons that are on TV today.
Ann S. says
I have to wonder one thing. For those of you parents who don’t allow your children to watch movies like The Little Mermaid because you don’t agree with the “message” that you get from the movie, then who are you going to blame when your children grow up and don’t become the person YOU want them to be? Yes, I believe we help shape our children based on how we raise them, but at some point they start to think for themselves. I know children brought up the same way in the same household, yet are vastly different in their way of thinking and behaving once they got older. I personally don’t see how shielding them from children’s movies because we disagree with the message will make that big of a difference in who they become as teenagers and young adults. But that is my personal opinion.
But then again, we are free-thinking humans. What is important to me in raising my children may be insignificant or even seen as stupid by someone else. So while I don’t necessarily agree with your viewpoint on this, I don’t expect you to agree with every aspect of how I raise my children. We’re all doing what we think is best in being parents. And for commenters who make assumptions and call out the author based on one post voicing their opinion is just ridiculous. No one parent out there is perfect and doing everything right. So to label this author based on one parenting aspect is not right. If this is how someone wants to raise their child, then so be it. I don’t think people should speak up against someone’s parenting unless it’s something that is physically or emotionally abusive toward a child.
Kimberly says
Ariel did not give up her voice. She gave up her ability to talk. There is a difference and it’s that difference that she be taught to our children. Ariel never changed who she was so that Eric would fall in love with her. When Ursula realized that she was going to lose, that Eric was falling in love with her based on who she was, not what she said, she changed herself into a beautiful woman with an amazing voice who told him (under a spell), presumably everything he wanted to hear. It’s actions, not words, that define who people are. You can’t teach your children that what comes out of their mouth is more important, or more defining, than what goes on between their ears.
Also, people need to keep in mind that the original version was written in 1837 when society had a very different view of women and how they should behave. Even then, it wasn’t necessarily anti-feminism.
Sam says
I grew up on Disney. And when I think of Disney, yes, I envision Princes and Princesses. But to me, at their cores, these aren’t love stories, good or bad. Just like to me, the Hunger Games is far from a love story. Love is just a huge part of human experience, something we’re all preoccupied with, something we all have been taught to search for and cling to and look at through rose-colored lenses. So we filter many of our fairytales through love stories. All of the Princesses end up with Princes — even Mulan. The last scene is of the general coming over for dinner. But the Disney Princesses have things to teach little girls that have nothing to do with their Princes. They all dream of better worlds, and sometimes do foolish things in search of them. They are hardly looking for love when they find it. I think Ariel’s most defining quality is her curiosity, as Laura said above. She made excellent points regarding Ariel’s motivations.
Disney is still in the business of Princes and Princesses. I think it is very naive to say that Anna is a stronger heroine than Ariel. Anna is exactly the same as Ariel, but a modernized version because she’s clumsy and infused with Kristen Bell’s irreverent mannerisms. Anna’s foundation is that she’s completely sheltered, and then on the day she gets to leave the castle, she falls in love with the first guy whose boat she falls into! Ariel goes up to the surface and falls in love with the first handsome guy she sees (who’s on a passing ship…these parallels really are crazy). The only difference is that Anna’s prince is EVIL and trying to steal her sister’s crown, while Eric is good and sacrificed for Ariel in kind. There was a Disney animated series where Ariel basically just solved problems in her kingdom with Sebastian and Flounder. You can envision a world where Ariel’s sister is in trouble, and she helps her too. Girls are complex, multifaceted, and capable of greatness in all areas of their lives, at home and abroad, and their education should encourage that, not stifle it. Falling in love is an intense, complex, confusing experience that can and does make fools out of the brightest among us. Maybe you could say Anna would have been stronger had she not ended up with Kristoff (your modern streetrat) (after THREE days of knowing him! and I never really saw the two of them together, to be honest.) But then what are we saying? That girls who up up alone are stronger than those in relationships? Falling in love is also beautiful, and something that your daughter, with all of her complexities and independent ambition, will highly anticipate. She should be exposed to a million versions of how it could play out. The first time I got into a relationship I realized that for all the time I spent dreaming of being in one, I’d had almost no discussions about how to navigate one, or how to go about merging my life and person with someone else. And I discovered stores of information in those around me, as well as in pop culture. And there were pieces of advice I heeded, and those I disagreed with, and there are definitely love stories I go back to and idealize, and one’s I criticize and analyze what I would have done differently, and there are horror stories. And they all enrich my experiences, and I’m always sorry I wasn’t exposed to them sooner.
For instance, I just started to watch The Astronaut Wives, which takes place in the 1960s, so it talks about race and gender roles, and how social matters were progressing. The women in the show are notably subservient to their husbands, which I expected. But I was surprised that they were shown sitting at the kitchen table together and openly discussing their wifely roles, calling them “choices” saying “but this is what we chose when we chose to wed”, encouraging each other to assert independence, and, at times, making conscious decisions to self-sacrifice, not out of fear, but out of love. I think living today, with the majority having a more progressive idea of gender equality, we assume women back then just didn’t know how to want more for themselves. At least, I’ve assumed that in the past. But the show portrays the strength inherent in them, the different ways they took on what society threw at them, their learning curves, and I find it fascinating and absolutely relevant because I’m a twenty-something millennial who has been taught to want a career and an independent life, as much as a rich family life. I’m in a much different position than those women were — both of these dreams are in my reach, and I get stressed just thinking about how I’ll juggle them. Watching how those who came before me did it, and how those around me are doing it, just gives me more information to filter through.
Nothing can be learned by not experiencing something. Experiencing something peripherally can keep you from repeating other people’s mistakes. Your reason for demonizing The Little Mermaid is the same argument for denying sex ed in schools, and not teaching about the holocaust to prevent scapegoating and genocide. Your concerns about how to retain your sense of self in love, and self-sacrifice, are absolutely relevant, but we all inevitably have to negotiate them, especially as women. So in the meantime, you’re just denying your daughter the pleasure of beautiful music which she will eventually find anyway. (My best friend and I duet-ed Part of Your World at a party last week. Disney rules!). She’s also eventually going to be exposed to hundreds of other things in pop culture that touch on this point way less gently, but every exposure will be an opportunity to learn. Because I’ve heard stories of battered women, I would be able to recognize an emotionally abusive relationship. As with everything, don’t demonize the medium. All that matters is what your daughter takes away from what she sees, and you can have influence there. But if she doesn’t see it, there is no takeaway. As much as you want to, you can’t sterilize your daughter’s experience for long.
Look at the trajectory here, backtracking. Ariel ends up on the surface without a voice. Before that, she gives her voice to a monster, a stranger. Before that, her father chalks her rebellious spirit and dreams up to her being a teenager and all he says is, don’t go up to the surface. Which only makes her want to go up to the surface.
Watch the movie with your daughter. Educate her. Teach her to be read, and listen, and think critically. Try to tell her what you want her to takeaway, but yeah, she’s probably too young to understand it. At this age, if your daughter is smart and strong and has some kind of attention span, her takeaway from the movie is going to have little to do with Eric. It’ll be more like: Princes are still pretty, dream of better worlds, but don’t trust octopi 😉
Jen says
Ariel gave up everything for legs. She wanted to walk. The fact that there was a prince was simply a bonus.
Aamda says
You, as a mother, have a choice of what you would like your children to watch. There are shows I do not let my son watch. I understand where you are coming from Some comments have said that you were sheltering your daughter. I do not think this is so. The world is full of bad, unfortunate things out there. You are not sheltering them from the world, just limiting them (which I believe is a right you have as a parent). One realization i have made is that my generation, those who grew up with Disney movies, are the generation that have mane of the problems you mentioned in your article. I was one of those women at one point. I gave up my voice for a guy. Huge mistake. Whether or not the women of my generation is directly related to the Disney movies or not…I don’t know. But I commend you for not taking that chance with your daughter. There is enough sadness, regret, and loss of identity out there, why slam a mom for trying to limit how much her daughter sees at a young age?
Vaden DeGarmo says
I’m in total agreement.
I also do not allow my children to watch Looney Toons. I sure don’t need them throwing anvils at each other.
I don’t let them watch any of the Toy Story sequels. I made the mistake of letting them watch the first one and it took me almost a year to convince them that their toys were not coming alive when they leave.
I don’t let them watch Sesame Street. They watched a few episodes and every time they walked by a trash can, they’d open it and rummage through it looking for Oscar….every time I’d give them a cookie, they’d jam it in their mouths, where it would disintegrate and most of it ended up on the floor…every time they’d practice counting, they’d yell out a number and then laugh hysterically. When it began lightning inside after they’d get to the last number, is when I finally put a stop to Sesame Street.
My goodness…I’m a parent not a magician. What am I supposed to do…teach my children right from wrong…teach them about fictional things…or teach them values and morals? I mean really, who has the time? Well I’m off my soapbox…gotta go. My kids are hungry…I need to tell the nanny to prepare their dinner.
Stacey says
Wow. I think someone forgot how to be a kid. It’s imagination. Something you’ve apparently forgot how to do. I’ve watched all of those movies. And I think I’ve made some pretty good choices in life. My kids watch those movies. They pretend they’re princesses and fairies and pirates and whatever they decide to be. It’s all part of being a kid. People like you make being a kid depressing. By the way, maybe you should go back to school and learn how to spell. It’s lose not loose.
Elizabeth says
I don’t think people should be speaking harshly about her parenting skills. Agree to disagree.
It did occur to me that by not letting our children watch The Little Mermaid, we are telling our little girls that we’re concerned an ANIMATED film is going to override their decision making abilities.
Deb says
This is probably the funniest thing I have read all day including the comments supporting the post. I cannot believe you do not allow your child to watch a Disney animated movie. There is absolutely nothing wrong with The Little Mermaid. Nothing. .
Jezzica says
Whoever wrote this is a moron and an idiot.
Probably doesn’t work full time.
Has too much Time on her hands. Makes their children eat organic and drink water only. FUN SUCKER.