Follow

Frozen (2013) – Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide:

  1. What is your favorite character? Who are you most like? Why?
    Caregiver Note: This is an introductory question to get conversation started while working on an activity. Children may be thrown off if an adult asks suddenly about something serious right off the bat, so it’s good to start with a surface-level question to get the conversation going and get them thinking about the film. Also share your favorite character and who you related to the most and go first if your child is struggling.
  2. Why did Princess Elsa stay by herself so much when she was younger?
    Caregiver Note: Children often need help connecting feelings to behavior and this is a great way to help a child see his in action. Children may mention that she misses her parents, that she’s afraid of hurting Princess Anna, or that she’s afraid of getting hurt because she is different. Help your child connect that the grief and fear cause Princess Elsa to isolate and feel even more lonely.
  3. Was there a time where you felt like Princess Elsa and you needed to stay away from others to stay safe?
    Caregiver Note: Now that we’ve connected Princess Elsa’s feelings of fear and grief to her behavior we can help our child connect similar feelings. Isolating from others does not have to look like Princess Elsa locking herself in her room though. Does your child get angry and seem to push you away? This can be another way a child can create physical and emotional distance to keep themselves safe when they feel threatened.
  4. What most makes you feel that way? How can I help you when it’s hard to talk about these feelings?
    Caregiver Note: This is a great question that will help you and your child come up with a plan to communicate better when your child is overwhelmed. When overwhelmed language perception and expression can be difficult for a child who had endured trauma and may have deficits in this area due to abuse and neglect affecting their childhood development, no matter the age. This conversation will help you and your child to come up with a plan as a team so that maybe a code word can be shared or a gesture to indicate your child needs you to replace tantrums or other behaviors. Remember, though behaviors may be maladaptive their feelings are very real and valid and learning to express these emotions appropriately will help your child catch up in development as they learn to name and tame these big emotions.
  5. ACTIVITY: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
    Caregiver Note: This is a great activity to do with your children while talking about the movie! You will need some ingredients to make “snow” (3 cups of baking soda and ½ cup of white hair conditioner mixed in a bowl), scissors, and some felt pieces for your snowman’s features and clothing. While discussing the movie help your child to make their own snowman. For extra fun, feel free to dress him or her up for summer since this snowman won’t melt like Olaf!
  6. Why didn’t Princess Anna heal from “true love” with Hans or Kristoff?
    Caregiver Note: This is a question that can start the discussion about how valuable familial and platonic love can be for your child. Movies and books often highlight romantic love as the end-all of needs for love and acceptance, and peers will also buzz about such things. However, this is a chance for you as the caregiver to talk to your child about having safe, balanced relationships in other areas of life and how important family, found family, and trustworthy friends can be as they grow older. 
  7. Who was able to heal Princess Anna with “true love”? How did Queen Elsa do that?
    Caregiver Note: It’s important for us to remember that though Princess Anna can’t remember parts of the past, Queen Elsa remembers everything. And though Queen Elsa seems distant and reserved, we learn throughout the course of the film that her isolation was especially triggered by a need to protect her sister and that she fiercely loves Princess Anna. The sisters also show out on the ice that they are willing to sacrifice for one another. This is a very important discussion to have to help children understand why loving, appropriate relationships with friends and family are just as important, if not more, as romantic relationships. 
  8. Why did Princess Anna trust Hans so quickly? What are some ways she could have learned more about him sooner?
    Caregiver Note: This is a great time to talk about emotional boundaries. Princess Anna wanted too much to feel loved and wanted that, after years of being alone in the castle, she immediately fell in love with the first pretty face that was nice to her. Your child may point out how nice and responsible he seemed when helping Arendelle or how good looking he is and charming. However, as we know there was a lot more than what Princess Anna saw on the surface. Talking about going on dates as a group to see how Hans talked to others, getting to know each other over time, and being open about boundaries may be some talking points to consider with ways she could have learned more sooner but your child may bring other insights to the conversation as well. 
  9. How did Kristoff show Princess Anna that he was worthy of her trust?
    Caregiver Note: Kristoff is a wonderful example of how someone should earn trust. He is honest with Princess Anna and tells her the truth even when it’s hard, helps her with no expectations for returned favors, protects her from harm, maintains appropriate physical boundaries, and gets to know her family and friends. Over time Kristoff and Princess Anna are able to learn about one another safely and develop a (later successful) relationship over time. 
  10. ACTIVITY: Consent Carrots
    Caregiver Note: Sven sure loves carrots! However, he probably needs to find some of his own instead of swiping Olaf’s nose so much without permission. It sounds like Sven needs a little lesson in asking for consent. This can be a great, and simple, activity to help children learn how to maintain good boundaries. First you will need your carrots. If raw carrots are not your thing, try making carrot chips with your child with the recipe below for a healthy snack alternative. After you have your snack ready talk to your child about consent. Explain to them that they have the ability to keep safe boundaries and to reinforce them by saying “no” and that they should respect others’ boundaries by asking before taking. Then, as you eat your consent carrots have everyone practice asking for consent for carrots they wish to take from others and saying yes or no. This is such an important lesson for all children, but especially children who have had their boundaries so frequently violated in abuse and neglect.

    Carrot Chips Recipe:
    – Carrots thinly sliced to ¼ inch thick. Can also be bought pre-sliced
    – Olive Oil or Avocado oil
    – Salt and Pepper
    – Garlic Powder

[Donate to this Project]


 

Written by
Rachael B. Rathe is an East Tennessee native with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Child & Family Studies from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. She has worked in mental health since 2013 and in foster care/adoptions for a private provider agency since 2014. Rachael was inspired to work in the field after working with children and teens on a volunteer basis 2008 - 2013. Rachael's ideal self-care day involves snuggling on a couch with her kitties (Tabitha, Fergus, and Rufus) while enjoying a good movie or book. She also enjoys galivanting around conventions concerning all things nerd and geekery.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.