Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/467488
32 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2015 family values T his may not be the month to build a snowman, but I bet you know the song — "Do You Want To Build a Snowman?" Is there a parent alive that hasn't? Perhaps there are few "off-grid" somewhere in the vast unknown. But, for those "connected," the "Frozen" world of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, etc. are beloved family friends. Disney's "Frozen" is the fi fth-highest grossing fi lm of all time, $1.219 billion. It is Disney's second-highest grossing release. It is behind No. 4 all-time worldwide grosser — "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2." Two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, over a million album sales and seven million Spotify streams, YouTube views in the hundreds of millions, and the DVD became Amazon's best-selling children's film ever in advance orders alone, are among the film's credits. These tallies were made before the past holiday season. Two orphaned sisters of royalty have taken the world by ice storm. The catchy soundtrack is hummed, sung, played and whistled across generations. Chances are renditions have broken loose in your living room, bathtub or car. These relatable characters and unforgettable performances — teamed with enthralling images — tantalize and linger on our senses. An endearing dark-eyed, 3-year-old, peaking through golden bangs divulged to me recently, "I am going to marry Elsa!" After my congratulations, he proceeded. "I have to grow up first … and buy her a ring … and flowers." That was it. All the necessary ingredients laid out. He bounced off onto other playthings and imaginary happenings. Kudos to parents for taking a child's imaginary world and infusing reality. They Phenomenon BY ELAINE STONE used his adult-like ideations to teach about a wedding that will one day, no doubt, occur. Without bursting his imaginary bubble, they used it to instill some fundamental basics for considering marriage, without crushing his immature/whimsical heart. First, he must grow up. Then, he has some responsibilities. Astute parents use the lessons of children's fantasy to infuse reality. This film presents opportunities to speak into young lives: the inborn imperfections of Elsa; Elsa's isolation; keeping secrets (Elsa was happier when she "Let It Go"); Anna's loneliness and isolation from her sister; loss of loved ones; sibling relationships; and people who are not always as they appear (Hans), to name a few. Lessons wait at every turn. Over one hundred karaoke partiers of all ages came unglued as the introduction to "Let It Go" began. There were twirling, grins, emphatic gestures as every set of lips synced the words. It is remarkable and phenomenal how some things permeate and become part of our culture. Use every teachable moment you are handed, even if it is "The First Time in Forever." Elaine Stone, mother of three, lives in Spotsylvania County. Write: elainestone@juno.com Teachable FROZEN Resources Frozen Bible Study for Kids by the Grassfed Mama http://bit.ly/frozen-bible-study Death in Disney Movies: Making the most of teachable movie moments http://bit.ly/disney-movies-death Teachable Moments From The Movie Frozen http://bit.ly/frozen-teachable-moments "Some people are worth melting for." - Olaf, FROZEN Teachable FROZEN Resources Making the most of teachable movie moments Teachable Moments From The Movie Frozen