Most Important Lessons in Motherhood From Disney
We often talk about Disney princesses or heroes who inspire us as they battle the bad guys, find their self-confidence and in some storylines, find love.
There’s much to be impressed with—as they grow and endure throughout the films. Their victories are our victories, which is why Disney movies are so, well, addicting. But what about Disney moms?
Consider this: much like the young characters we watch on the golden screen—there is a mother behind the scenes who can also teach us valuable lessons. Truth be told? Most Disney characters lose either both or one of their parent within a movie—a theme many blame on Walt Disney’s childhood.
Luckily this isn’t the fate for all Disney moms, and some tales allow mothers to shine through, with all of their wisdom and wit. In honor of moms around the globe, allow this motherly advice to make you extra grateful for the lady you call your own:
Lady Elinor from Brave
At the start of this beloved movie, Lady Elinor is a queen with poise and class, aiding her husband rule their kingdom with a strict fist. Since she only had one daughter, she was dreamt Merida would have simple elegance and class, as little girls are expected to.
What she got instead, was a wild, fearless and curled hair free-spirit. The lessons we learn from Lady Elinor are surprisingly ones that grow within the film.
It wasn’t until she finally loved her daughter for the intelligent and strong leader she was that she believed a lady was enough to stand as a princess—without wedding a man.
Lady Elinor taught us to listen to our children and believe in who they are. After all, you never know just how powerful they can truly be.
Ms. Davis from Toy Story
In Toy Story, Andy’s mom valued creativity and expression for her son—even if it’s wasn’t apparent throughout every scene.
Unlike other Disney moms, we don’t see much of Andy’s mom throughout the films, but we do however, see how her approach to parenting allowed her son to truly be himself and engage his imagination.
His room was his sanctuary, where he decorate his walls with Sherif wallpaper and create towns with all his favorite toys. Then, when he wanted to change his mind and be an astronaut instead of sheriff?
She was only supportive—and even took him to ‘Pizza Planet’ to celebrate. Children need the space and support to grow into the individuals they’re meant to be—and Andy’s mom nurtured his every whim.
Eudora from Princess and The Frog
While Tiana wasn’t lucky enough to be born into royalty as a princess, she was fortunate enough to grow up with a mother as hardworking and loving as Eudora.
Even though her family didn’t come from much and had to work to put food on the table, that didn’t stop Eudora from always believing in the power of her daughter’s dreams.
While, sure, the idea of Tiana opening her own restaurant seemed like a stretch, Eudora was there every step of the way. From helping to sweep the dusty warehouse to attending opening night, she was her daughter’s greatest fan and biggest supporter.
She also reminded her daughter that money and work are not always everything, and taught her about the importance of love. Her optimism and groundedness are some of the reasons Eudora is one of our favorite Disney moms.
Kala from Tarzan
The heartwarming story of Tarzan is a classic film reminding everyone to be their own special, unique human—no matter who might disagree.
Tarzan’s mom, Kala never looks down upon her son or views him as anything other than her own.
While Kala is a gorilla—one of the only animals of the Disney moms—and Tarzan is a man, she never makes Tarzan feel as though he doesn’t belong in their pack.
As we now live in a world where belief and individuality are such strong core fundamentals of who we are as people, Kala teaches all of us about the importance of acceptance.
Celebrate Mom at Disney!
We learn new things everyday, and with the help of Disney classic films, we can always learn more if we pay attention and listen to our favorite characters. Disney moms can help us see and learn valuable life lessons that can now be applied to how we view and approach motherhood.
You can meet some of your favorite Disney moms in person and create magical moments for you and your entire family! You’ll have so much fun!