Discussion Guide:

• • 1. How did Aladdin being on his own and alone make you feel?
       This question could give a caregiver an insight to how their child feels about being alone or abandonment. As with all of our discussions it is worth noting that caregivers may not get a serious answer or a deep answer initially. However, children often process later and it is your job to assure that there is an atmosphere for having a conversation later if need be.
    2. Do you think Aladdin wonders where his parents are? Why do you think that?
       Again this may give a caregiver insight to how a child thinks about their birth family.
    3. Do you think Aladdin blames himself for being alone?
       These questions are a great way to see how insightful our children are. Our children may feel alone despite being part of a family and we would never know, as that’s not a question that is generally asked on a regular basis. Although our kids may feel like they are in a new family, having a conversation about missing biological parents is not only expected, but also healthy. Many times our kids are afraid to ask questions to not cause their foster or adoptive parents to be upset, but knowing that they can talk to you about their feelings will help them feel more comfortable talking about them.
    4. If you were Princess Jasmine, what would you do if you met two hungry children in the market? Why do you think Princess Jasmine lied about her name?
       Empathy is not a skill that many children have. This is a great question to help you teach empathy to children who are still developing this characteristic. If you are lucky enough to already have empathetic children, this may turn into a great conversation on how your family can help the hungry children in your area.
    5. What three wishes would you have asked Genie for?
       These could definitely be silly answers. However, caregivers should note that these answers will help them to get to know their child – their likes, dreams, or simply their sense of humor.
    6. Try to guess a wish someone else in your household might make.
       This task is simply a fun activity for your household. It is interesting to see how well everyone knows each other or to see how much everyone is able to learn about hopes and dreams of other people. If the attention of your children and the situation allows, it would be interesting for caregivers to lead a discussion on how the family can help family members attain their realistically attainable goals and wishes.
    7. When Aladdin almost broke his promise, how did you feel?
    8. What would you have done in Aladdin’s situation when he didn’t want to fulfill his promise?
       Kids are so imaginative, and the responses can range from serious answers all the way to silly ones. Regardless of the answers, sometimes it’s fun to dream about all the possibilities having three wishes could grant you. This is a great way to bond with your children and learn about what they value, whether it’s peace, money, or yes, even toys!

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Transfiguring Adoption is a nonprofit organization seeking to nurture growth in foster and adoptive families by giving a HOOT about their families. Transfiguring Adoption does not intend for its reviewers nor its review to be professional, medical or legal advice. These reviews and discussion guides are intended to help parents to better be able to connect and understand their children who come from traumatic backgrounds.