Jill loves all things The Little Mermaid.
She loves the songs, the fish, the crabs, the ride at Disneyland…but above all else, she loves Ariel.
That red headed princess is her favorite. It’s the princess she gets most excited about, the movie that makes her bounce up and down excitedly when we put it on. In fact, I will contend that there is just about nothing cuter than hearing Jill try to sing “Part of that woooooooorllllldd…..”
Also, she can do a pretty killer dance move when Under the Sea comes on.
The other day, I wandered into a Disney Store in the mall. I really don’t even know why I did. I mean, we have annual passes to Disneyland, so we’ve seen it all before…besides, let’s be honest, my kids need another ANYTHING like they need a hole in the head.
Even still, when I saw this little plush Ariel doll, I immediately gasped and clutched it to my chest as if I had found the lost treasure of Tutankhamen or something equally dramatic. As I stood in line to pay, I thought to myself “Why on EARTH am I buying this?” The girls have millions of dolls, gazillions of toys. In fact, if I’m being super honest with myself, if this was something Henry or Lucy was asking for, I would have said no without a second thought. And yet, here I am, waiting my turn to pay money for something simply because it’s Jill’s favorite. And I kept thinking this through…mulling it over…trying to figure it out…because, so you know, my brain is always and forever thinking and mulling over SOMETHING. It never stops. Ever.
Mama Guilt creeping in at the thought that not only was I not also buying something for the others…but I would tell them to take a hike if they begged for a toy. Was Jill secretly my favorite? What the heck?
And then it dawned on me. Jill is non-verbal. Truth be told, there’s a lot we don’t know about her.
In fact, we don’t even know what her favorite color is.
Henry adores all things green. And there is no such thing as Too Much Pink for Lucy. Actually, if Sparkle was a color, that would be Lu’s fave.
But for Jill, she can’t tell us which is her favorite color. And honestly, that realization, that I don’t even know what color my four-year-old daughter loves most…just killed me inside. Knife. Twisting. Heart.
Such a simple everyday thing that you take for granted. I about lost it in the middle of the Disney Store. I did that thing where you hold your breath, nonchalantly wipe tears, and recreate Lamaze breathing. It was a harsh reality to suddenly discover. It put her needs and disabilities in perspective in that moment.
Don’t even get me started on the fact that I have yet to hear her say “I love you, Mommy.” I know she does. And she snuggles and kisses in a way that is undeniably Love. But the words…I cannot wait. I hope I get to hear them someday. It will be an awesome day.
“Mommy I love you. And by the way, my favorite color is blue.”
But you know what? You know what we DO know? We know she loves Ariel.
Sebastian. Flounder. Scuttle. Even King Triton.
I may not know what my girl’s favorite color is, but I know who her favorite character is. And you know what else? Maybe that means I’m a sucker for all things Little Mermaid. Maybe that means I jump up and down, cheering and clapping, looking like a fool outside of the Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Maybe that means I’m seriously considering buying the movie soundtrack and playing it on loud for my girl. I don’t really care.
Because this? These little arm gestures when Ariel is singing? Copying her movements. Humming along.
This grin. Rapt attention. Smiles. Ariel may have exchanged her voice for a boy…but my girl is showing us her voice in a different way.
And I love that we get to figure it out. Together.
* * * *
All of these things are true.
In fact, this was a post brewing in my brain for a few weeks now.
So imagine how quickly I jumped at the opportunity to tell my readers that Disney’s The Little Mermaid is being re-released for the first time on Blu Ray and HD Digital on October 1st. Planets = aligned. But there’s more!
Leave a comment in this post telling me “How do you encourage your children to follow their dreams?” (even if you have to interpret what those dreams might be!), and one winner will be selected to win a $50 Visa Gift Card and a Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack.
I mean, really?
That’s pretty awesome.
Besides, if Jill loves it…it’s gotta be good.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry””; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post”
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/9/13 – 10/15/13.
Be sure to visit the Disney’s Little Mermaid page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
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I totally get this post. My daughter was diagnosed with mild autism when she was 2-3. Her speech was delayed and really I understood about 60% of what she said and the rest of it I used to say was fluent mandarin. ;) And I was so consumed with the idea of never knowing her favourite colour. Or her favourite food. It killed this mama heart too.
My little one is now in grade 2 and because of the great support she has received in our school system (so fortunate!) she is now only slightly behind in some areas of language and speech.
Her favourite colour is aqua and she loves loves loves ice cream.
I can’t wait for your moment too. :)
janet @ ordinary mom´s last blog post ..monday musing: finding myself (again)
My house is full of so much Ariel stuff it is ridiculous. She is the favorite for my 4yo daughter, too.
I think I told you the story about how when my daughter when under anesthesia for an MRI recently, the doctor sang “Part of Your World” to her as she went under. It made me cry.
My daughter has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She was non-verbal until well after her second birthday. So I can totally relate to your feelings about that. After years of intense speech therapy, I love hearing her sweet little voice!
I work hard to encourage my daughter to follow her passions. She loves animals, and wants to be a wildlife biologist or zoologist when she grows up. When she learned about the plight of the SIberian tiger and wanted to do something to help, I set up an online fundraiser for her. She’s raised over $300 so far and is so proud!
http://www.thewriterrevived.com/2013/08/introducing-sbs-save-siberian-campaign.html
Here is my tweet:
http://ow.ly/oJmfj
Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway. Fingers crossed! :)
Dearest Jeannett, I was not ready for tears this morning. Not ready at all, but life is like that. I try to encourage my kids to chase their dreams by helping to make it possible. Right now my oldest is 3. I try to expose her to new things and make things she asks to do possible. Like dance. She thinks she’s a ballerina, so we are taking her to class. Also side note, that red head is my little read head’s favorite too. My almost 2 yo son can say Ariel because of her.
Gwendolyn T´s last blog post ..Just A Little Rant
I went to Disney World here in FL this past Saturday for Night of Joy. I don’t know if you guys have that over there, but it’s a 2 night event where various Christian artists play. Well, Jodi Benson (as I’m sure you know is the voice of Ariel) was there promoting World Vision. She and her entire family spoke before each concert about the work they have been doing. Before the last concert of the evening, she sang “Part of Your World”. It was flawless, my husband actually thought it was a recording at first. Jilly would have so loved it. Side note: I did not know she was a Christian, She spoke very passionately about Jesus and He has commandment to us to go out into the world to serve the least of these. I thought that was pretty awesome.
To answer your question from above, whenever either of my kids have an interest in something, we delve into it. Right now my 6 year old is ALL about dinosaurs and says he wants to be a Paleontologist when he grows up. So we have gone head on into the dinosaur world finding books about dinosaurs, movies/documentaries/tv shows about dinosaurs, and have done plenty of Google searches about different dinosaurs. We encourage them to pursue the things they love.
Tears!!! I usually go to the Disney store for John’s presents. Last year he got a new Aladdin (he had ripped the head off of my original Aladdin barbie doll) and I found a Beast barbie!! I never had it when I was little, so I bought it for him for Christmas. John listens to the Lion King soundtrack all the time, he will dance and hum along to the instrumental pieces too.
Katie´s last blog post ..How Do You Do That: Packing Edition
Here’s my tweet! https://twitter.com/katie_LF/status/377431353353981952
Katie´s last blog post ..How Do You Do That: Packing Edition
My little girl is only 5months old, so I’m consumed with trying to help her realize that her dream is to sleep… :) Thank you for sharing your story
Heidi´s last blog post ..Bored is not in my vocabulary!
I try to listen. It’s hard when I am mostly focused on getting us trough the task at hand to really stop and listen, and I am constantly reminding myself to pay attention!
I always told my daughters why they needed to. I also did things like take them to the concerts of the little girl crush bands. I thought dreams were so important. Words aren’t necessary. It’s in their faces.
Did you know there is an Ariel II movie? It’s about Ariel’s daughter. It’s not fantastic (for adults) but my daughters really like it.
Mari´s last blog post ..Things I’ve Mourned the Loss Of
Well I remember wanting so badly to hear those four little words “Mommy, I love you”. My son doesn’t really talk now at 12 but he has phrases he uses to communicate one is “Love you” and that works for me :-) Right now he’s going through a stage where he doesn’t want to work to do something he really enjoys. So I spend alot of time encouraging him and reminding him that even to have fun we sometimes have to do work. Ie. if you want to ride the horse you need to brush and saddle him… this is a tough lesson, some how it worked better between the ages of 6 and 11.
My daughter on the other hand I swear said “Mommy, I love you” almost immediately. She currently also has a great love of Ariel, and anything swimming. Although she’s still working up her courage to put her head under water. She isn’t sure what she wants to do, she’s got her eye on everything from rock star to vetrinarian. Needless to say we try to give her plenty of experiences to help her to make that desision. She’s taken a number of different dance lessons and is now enrolled in nature club at school.
My sons are older now and I’ve always encouraged them to find their dreams by trying new things and supporting them when they find a new interest. I’ve taken them to classes (guitar & keyboarding), attended countless soccer games, purchased books & subscribed to magazines on their special interests, driven to countless skateparks & built skate ramps & boxes, the list is endless. Then in high school & college I encouraged them to take classes and find a major that supported their interests. We’re still at it… it’s a long road, but very rewarding!
We’re pretty big Disney fans around here! My two year old daughter and I sing “a dream is a wish your heart makes” from Cinderella each night before bed. She’s only recently started singing along… But it brings tears to my eyes every time. We pray that The Lord would do great things with her dreams someday!
Candace´s last blog post ..Olivia Grace {weeks 9-12}
I encourage kids to go for their dreams and passions by supporting their ideas.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/377629848581050369
I encourage my children to follow their dreams by letting them do what they love, supporting them, encouraging them and being there to cheer them on. For my oldest that was cheer leading, my only son loves football and video games, my middle girl loves softball and running, my five year old loves dance and gymnastics and my one year old mainly loves Barney!
When it comes to kids and encouraging them to follow their dreams, I am kind of at the beginning. My kids are young, so when they tell me they want to fly to touch the moon, I lift them as high as I can and spin them around while they reach their tiny hands to the sky. But I know it gets harder and more serious as they get older… so I am looking and listening to those who’ve gone before – what advice is out there on how to teach kids to dream big and reach far while being aware of the ground that supports them.
BTW – I have very fond memories of swimming as a kid and belting out little mermaid songs, pretending to be Ariel. I like Jill’s favorite!
I often say I have three special needs kids, I just have one with a diagnosis. She is 8. She doesn’t talk. I am pretty sure her favorite color is yellow, but I guess I can’t say that is fact.
I encourage my kids to follow their dreams by refusing to listen to the world’s opinions. About success. About education. About speech.
Robin Lee´s last blog post ..Endings and Beginnings
Ok, so this might be pouring gas on a fire but….burn, baby burn! New on zulily today and of course…I thought of you. You can totally tell Andy you’re getting a jumpstart on Christmas shopping, right?!?
http://www.zulily.com/e/the-little-mermaid-51726.html?pos=0§ion=baby-maternity&sPos=1
Jordan´s last blog post ..FIGHT
The Little Mermaid has always been my favorite Disney movie. I had a Little Mermaid-themed Sweet 16 birthday party, and just recently dug out my old Little Mermaid bed sheets to use the pillow case on my grown-woman-married-with-a-baby big girl bed. Thank goodness my husband is understanding of why Ariel and Flounder are currently sharing our bed. My son is nearly 5 months old, and while I haven’t yet had the opportunity to encourage him to find his voice and pursue his dreams, my husband and I talk daily about how we can nurture him to find, discover and embrace the things in life that give him joy. I think that’s all any parent wants for their child: to encourage them to find and embrace their joy.
I love this post! And I love that Miss Jill loves the Little Mermaid!
I do encourage my children to do their very best as God would want. Not to do things half-hearted. We often indulge in the things that they dream of – going to the air and space museum for my son who loves all things space related. Dreaming alongside them.
SarahJ´s last blog post ..Wednesday Rambles
I encourage my boys to follow their dreams by talking about them, letting them explore whatever interests them at the time and supporting their thoughts and ideas the best I can. I try not to say “no” when I don’t have to.
What a great post! My nephew is also non-verbal and while he is unable to express in words to us….we definitely know that he loves Little Einsteins, The Wiggles and bright colors. Some days we wonder if we will ever hear words…….but for now, we communicate with smiles, hugs, kisses, games and songs.
Can I also say that I am like your daughter, I sing and dance to this movie because it is my favorite animated film. I can’t wait for this new version!!
My tweet: https://twitter.com/AndreaEmilien/status/377923556228616192
I guess I should answer the question too. :)
My own kids have lofty dreams of what they want to accomplish. My job as their Mom is to encourage them in realistic ways. My son wants to be an NFL player and then an NFL coach. So we signed him up for football, we watch football with him, we throw the ball. We also talk about the “what ifs…”. He is aware that not everyone is lucky enough to make it to the NFL and that a college education is important, just in case.
Andrea Emilien´s last blog post ..Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey In Spokane, WA
Did it ever occur to you that Ariel is non-verbal for a time in the movie as well? Maybe that is why she connects with that movie. Just a thought!
Dreams may come and go for a 6 year old and 4 year old, but what never waivers is my love and support. We talked about the details of their dreams and I ask a lot of questions. We play the boy version of “dress up” and make believe. I’m learning to let them make mistakes and not always correct or “fix” what they do. I love their enthusiasm for life and heart for others. My 16 month old twins boys are still not babbling much and don’t walk. We’re in physical and developmental therapy with them right now. I’ve never been through this before with the older two and it’s scary and frustrating. When I see how excited the babies get when the big boys play with them, I realize they’re a team and get each other. And that’s my dream=)
Since our dreams change daily in our house, I expose my girls to as many different experiences as possible and show them by example that anything is possible, we just need to figure out a path to achieve our goals!
If they like it, then I encourage it. I want them exposed to know that they have a whole wrold of fun ahead. Whatever they dream, they can achieve!
Right now my little girl is 2 and while she might not know what her drama are yet I’ve found the best that I can do for the day when she does have them is educating her that anything is possible and she can achieve what she sets her mind to.
My daughter, who just turned 4 a few days ago, loves art and music so I encourage her to be creative and I have her enrolled in ballet class.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/378195847608926208
I encourage my son by supporting his ideas and teaching him to work hard
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/378198703044960256
I encourage them to meet many different children and try many activities, be socialized for the real world
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/378239601749393408
I try to encourage my son to try new things and never give up on anything.
What a wonderful story! I encourage my kids by teaching them about hard work and trying my best to not pipe up with my own thoughts about how difficult something might be, or impractical, etc.
I encourage them by always giving them a positive response and supporting their ideas.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/378503900040396803
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I push them to be the best that they can be, but make sure to let them know it is ok to make mistakes. I point out that everyone makes mistakes, even me. Practice is important and dream big!
https://twitter.com/Reatex123/status/378640051573248001
We encourage our children to find their own voices through play, imagination and most importantly through showing love. My younger son has such a sense of freedom to be himself that he breaks into dance wherever he is! We want them to know they can be anything they want to be if they work hard enough and follow their dreams.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/379772770868932609
I never tell my daughter something she wants to do is impossible. And she’s smart enough that I don’t believe anything is anyway. :)
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Erika´s last blog post ..A Birthday Giveaway!
I know God put dreams and desires in my kids hearts and gave them the talent to achieve them.I always tell them that by trusting in the Lord and keeping a positive attitude all their dreams will come true.
my tweet https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/381047151737839616
Being supportive, positive and encouraging and always speaking positive words. Its so important to let them know nothing is impossible.
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/381820794004729856
By making them believe they are capable of anything and everything!
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/376427897612812290
I find myself trying to encourage dreams by finding out what they are. My daughter has Down syndrome, and while she is becoming more verbal (we rely heavily on signing too) I don’t know what her favorite color is either. (I think I actually left it blank on her welcome to preschool page…) I try to expose her to many different experiences and then follow her lead on what she loves!