Being a mother to a daughter who's fiercely independent isn't easy.
(Understatement of the year.)
Before I had children, I dreamed about possibly raising a daughter one day. I had all of these thoughts on who she was going to be and what she was going to be like. So when I got pregnant and found out I was having a girl, the preconceived notions of "my little princess" began. She would be sweet. She would be delicate. She would be made of sugar and spice and everything nice. . .
Then she was born and my dreams of my days being filled with tea parties and playing dolls fell by the wayside. Her first 5 years of life have taught me many things, especially she is nothing like I had expected. She is rough and tough. She doesn't like wearing frilly stuff the collars, lace and crowns irritate her. She'd much rather play in the dirt than sit and sip tea. She is so independent that it boggles my mind, mostly because she is only 5. Yes she is intelligent, healthy, pretty and has a great sense of humor. She is truly amazing and I am very grateful to call her my own. But she is definitely unique, a true individual. Not to mention she is the exact opposite of me, which has also proven to be a challenge to say the least. One of the most difficult things is allowing her to just be herself and not trying to change her. I never thought I would be "that mother" but I do find myself saying things like, "Why don't you do it this way." or "Are you sure you don't want to choose this thing, not that thing." It may seem small and insignificant, but I have realized that I am unintentionally trying to make her choices, more like my choices.
The Disney Pixar film Brave deals with similar issues and really looks at the complex relationship between mother and daughter, Queen Elinor and Merida. The film tells the tale of the newest Disney princess, Merida and the ongoing battles she has with her mother. Then one day the headstrong young girl makes a wish that changes her family's fate forever. It's a beautiful movie set in the ancient and magical Highlands of Scotland, but even more gorgeous is Merida's long red curly locks, that like Rapunzel had me completely captivated the entire time. A strong female lead and a story based upon family values are what Disney continues to do so well, and Brave is no exception. It really has me taking a deeper look into my relationship with my own daughter, and letting her be the person that she wants to become instead of the person that I am trying to change her into. ~ Jessica
Brave debuts on DVD on November 13, 2013.
Just in time for the holidays, it would make a perfect addition to any Disney or Pixar movie collection. (Disney Sisters Tip: Some scenes may be scary for younger viewers. It's a darker film and the angry bear scenes especially had my daughter, 5 covering her eyes.)
Disclosure: We received a copy of Brave to help facilitate this review. Images of film, provided by Disney. The thoughts and opinions read on this blog are 100% magical and 100% those of Disney Sisters only.
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