If you know anything about our 3 Steece boys...
... I'm sure you can imagine how extremely excited they are to see Disney's new movie, Planes.
And I have to admit, after watching the trailers and reading up on the storyline/characters~ this Mama is pretty pumped to see it as well.
Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), is a little crop dusting plane who dreams of air racing...oh, and by the way~ Dusty is afraid of heights!
With the help of a seasoned mentor and a host of new friends, Dusty finds the courage and determination to push himself to new heights.
Disney's Planes sounds like such a wonderful, inspirational story of how one little fella chose to fight for his big dream~ with the encouragement and support of many different people along the way.
This story is completely connected to our everyday lives~ ESPECIALLY when raising children. I've learned that there isn't just ONE way to motivate and inspire children.
When I read the character bio for Dottie (the cute little forklift), something immediately resonated with me.
Dottie is very practical, realistic, and understands what it takes to pursue certain goals. She is a tell-it-like-it-is friend (a tough-love approach), but is 100% loyal and will always have your back no matter what you decide. In the same way, I encourage my kids to chase their dreams...but I also teach them to how to recognize and overcome obstacles that may unexpectedly pop up on their journey. I am direct and to the point...no need to sugar coat things.
I am also like Chug (the fuel truck). He is Dusty's coach and biggest fan.
I have been and will always be, my kids' biggest cheerleader! From the time they were preemies, fighting for their lives in the NICU...
...to the healthy 5.5 year olds I dropped off at school last week.
They will always have someone who loves them unconditionally and is in their corner.
While training Dusty in aerial maneuvers, Skipper (the old navy veteran) began to realize that in many ways, the teacher had become the student.
I am taught this powerful lesson every day of my life. We can learn so many things from our kids. For example, I have seen MY negative traits show themselves in my children and it is a wakeup call for dear 'ole Mom to work on HERSELF. In other aspects, I witness the beautiful innocence of a child-like faith on a daily basis.
There are lessons to be learned EVERY day. Different techniques can help all parents and mentors ensure their kids are following and pursuing their dreams.
For a chance to win a $100 Fandango.com gift card, leave a comment and tell me: "How do you challenge your children to follow their dreams?"
Be sure to check out:
Facebook.com/DisneyPlanes
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My son has only just turned two, and he is just reaching the stage where "do it myself" is a new refrain we hear daily. And I want to encourage it! He does need to learn to do things himself...as much as I miss his baby reliance on me. So we're not exactly at the "follow your dreams" stage yet, but we're on the right path of empowerment and encouragement, I think!
ReplyDeletetjwallace04 at gmail dot com
I try to love & encourage them in whatever I can interest sparking in!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is still young (2.5) but I always try to praise her when she does something well and to make sure I recognize the skills that she is very good at.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my little loves are only 2 and 5, I consciously foster their interests and help them to complete projects that they dream up and praise them along the way!
ReplyDeleteWe believe it is so important to expose our children to new experiences. Either through sports or traveling. New adventures can always be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to instill in my 2 kids (11 & 6) that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. To acheive anything, you need hard work & determination. Also, not to let the nay sayers get you down. My oldest, a girl, is shy & sometimes the other girls can be very catty & will poke fun if you do an activity that the "cool" kids are doing. I ask, "do you enjoy doing the activity?" If she says, I point out that as long as you enjoy it, what does it matter if they don't? They are not the ones at the end of the day that need to be happy, she is.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi -
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to see your post today. My nephew who is 3 1/2 is so excited to see this movie. When we were on family vacation last week, he was telling me all about it. I love to see kids striving to be the best they know how. I love that he wants to grow up and be just like his dad.
I provide them with opportunities to see what is out there, to go new places, to try new things, to explore and be creative. I believe this will foster a desire to have dreams and to follow them. I'm so excited to see what is in store for my kids (but not anxious for them to grow up too fast.)
ReplyDeleteThrough giving them the opportunity to experience different things. I think this will help them have the desire to dream and follow pursue their dreams.
ReplyDeleteI encourage my little one to figure things out by herself and to try new things. Of course I am there to catch her if she falls, but I want her to know that she can do ANYthing.
ReplyDeleteI encourage both of my kids (8yr old boy and 4yr old girl) that they can do whatever they want in life--after they go to college, of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteStaci
salomax75@hotmail.com
I try and tell them they can do or be whatever they want with alot of hard work and practice. But more than anything it is important for them to be good people.
ReplyDeletepraise and encourage whenever possible is a must!!
ReplyDeleteeunice
euneypuney-at-gmail-dot-com
I teach my kids to work! This will help them to have the skills necessary to reach their goals and dreams because they know they CAN do hard things. I also give them a soft place to fall so they will hopefully not be scared to try and fail.
ReplyDeleteI encourage my children to follow their passions for art and music. My 8 year old is a budding artist, my 10 year old plays guitar and drums, and my 3 year old daughter takes ballet. I applaud their accomplishments and motivate them to keep doing their best.
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/356884461968834562
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I try to encourage my son to try new things and if he is leery of trying it, I'll do it to show him!
ReplyDeletereklaw422 at Hotmail dot com
I encourage my 3 children to try different sports and activities. They always have to finish a commitment they start, such as finishing the season for a sports team. Then they can choose something else. You can start to see the things that spark their interest, such as the activities that they get themselves ready for and always want to go!
ReplyDeleteI am constantly trying to instill a love of learning. My kids are at an age (5,5,7) where they LOVE to ask questions. A lot of times I do not know the answer. However, my answer then is lets look it up. I love watching their excitement as we find the answers to their questions!
ReplyDeleteKit @planeboy17@yahoo.com
I don’t have kids, but I encourage my niece by telling her she can do anything she sets her mind to.
ReplyDeleteaustma7@aol.com
I'm the mother of two: 14 yr old daughter and 8 yr old son with a disability (his birthmother drank thru her pregnancy). With my daughter, I allow her to chose what she wants to try...we at least give it a year of trying it (whether it is dance, piano, cello, etc). Give it a try because you never know where your dream at that moment will lead you. After a 5 year break from anything dance, she found a love of ballet and worked extra hard and is now on pointe and beautiful and loves it.
ReplyDeleteWith my son, I never let him give up. Which is very easy for him to do. He gets frustrated, discouraged, etc but being his biggest cheerleader and Momma Bear, I will defend him thru thick and thin. Having read things on the internet he should never have amounted to anything possibly institutionalized but I was told to ignore the internet, he is his own person and never give up. He is reading on level and super smart and the best son a momma could have. Maybe one day he will be the President!
I remind my kids that they can do anything they want and that God made everybody with a purpose.
ReplyDeleteWe let them pursue whatever they want within limits.
ReplyDeletetamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
My husband and I believe our children are capable of accomplishing anything they set their mind to. We teach our children to bring bible verses to mind such as Phil. 4:13, Romans 8:37, or Luke 1:37 when they are feeling anxious or weak to help change their thinking back to the truth of God's Word: "For with God nothing shall be impossible."
ReplyDeleteCommunicating early with my kids about their dreams is important to me. Being their #1 cheerleader and supporter in whatever they chose to do.
ReplyDeleteI encourage my child by supporting his ideas and dreams and by telling him he can achieve what he wants by working hard
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/356945052079104003
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
My kids are 7, 5 and 23months (with one more on the way). The biggest thing that I always encourage them to do is to do their best, if they try their best then God is pleased with them, and they should be as well. My oldest tends to easily get frustrated so I often remind him of how God made him just the way he is and as long as he is doing the best he can then that is more than good enough
ReplyDeleteI encourage my daughter and always support her dreams. She is 4 but constantly talks about what she wants to do when she is older. I remind her that she is a smart girl and can do anything she desires.
ReplyDeleteI don't have biological children, but I have three precious nieces (16,15,13) that I spend a lot of time with as well as being a high school counselor and interacting with kids all day! I tell all of them the important thing is to look at what you love to do, what makes you happy, and what God gives you a talent for. I hope that I encourage them to dream big and to go out on a limb and not be afraid to fail!
ReplyDeleteI don't have biological children, but I have three precious nieces (16,15,13) that I spend a lot of time with as well as being a high school counselor and interacting with kids all day! I tell all of them the important thing is to look at what you love to do, what makes you happy, and what God gives you a talent for. I hope that I encourage them to dream big and to go out on a limb and not be afraid to fail!
ReplyDeleteI try to involve my kids in sports or activities that interest them. I also practice with them and encourage them to try their best to achieve their goals.
ReplyDeletekellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
tweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kellydsaver/status/356971633241624576
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteBy letting her to try as many avenues as possible.
https://twitter.com/sohamolina/status/356972678583828480
ReplyDeleteMy first child is due next month, so I don't have firsthand experience with this yet, but I will challenge my kids to follow their dreams by encouraging them in whatever direction they seem to be headed. They like art? Sign them up for classes! They like to bake? They can help make dessert every week! It's the little things. :)
ReplyDeletechurchik918 [at] hotmail [dot] com
My kids have many interests and I keep them interested by keeping them involved. For example, my son has a huge fascination with computers, so I set him up with a summer programming camp at our local university!
ReplyDeletepauline15_01(at)Hotmail(dot)com
My daughter is only 4, but I am working on making sure she is confident, and knows that on the way to success she will fall many times. Everytime she cannot do something, I encourage her to try and do it (she usually can, it's all in her mind) Unlike my dh, I never say this is stupid, you can't do that, etc. She can do pretty much anything she wants. So right now we're working on generic behaviour element, but that will give her base for her future, so in case she fails, she knows she needs to try sometimes many times, before she succeeds.
ReplyDeleteI encourage my child by supporting his ideas and dreams and by teaching him to work hard
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/356977804430151680
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
I encourage my kids to love others and show Christ's love through our words and actions.
ReplyDeleteMy son is 4 and recently identified as gifted. I knew he was for a long time so I have always made sure to listen closely to him and help him follow whatever his current deep interests are at the time!
ReplyDeleteMy kids were always encouraged to try new things. I gave them lots of opportunities to discover what interested them with classes, trips and experiences.
ReplyDeleteI encourage her to always be herself and work hard to be a good person.
ReplyDeletewe encourage our daughter to follow her dreams riding her horses
ReplyDeleteI challenge Caden to follow his dreams. He is almost four, so his dreams don't consist of much. I am encouraging him just moment by moment for his present needs by memorizing Philippians 4:13--I can do all things through Christ...He has applied this to his swimming lessons, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have children but I can tell you my parents encouraged my brother and me by always telling us we had nothing to risk but our egos. And if we failed, we could learn something from our failures.
ReplyDeletelorenalke@yahoo.com
I take the time to listen to my son when he talks about his dreams and passions, even though he is just 7 years old. Even though some may not make sense, I encourage him, and remember that these are his dreams. :)
ReplyDeleteHilLesha(at)twc(dot)com
I have no kids. I would let me just play and learn about interacting with others in sport and fun
ReplyDeleteI challenge my kids by always showing them that they can do whatever they set their mind to. I make it a big point to show them things that over the years myself and my husband didn't think we would be able to do, but overcame those things. It gives them the chance to know that even though things may seem hard for a time, you can achieve them.
ReplyDeletewe cheer them on really loudly
ReplyDeleteI challenge my son by always letting him try to do "big boy" things and try to keep up with the older kids. I always encourage him and cheer him on when he does things that seem difficult!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteI encourage my daughter to try new things–types of sports or activities and when I see she is really interested in something I push her to do the best she can at it and constantly be supportive of her in any decision she makes!
ReplyDeletepittsy82@hotmail.com
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/357571579447754753
ReplyDeletepittsy82@hotmail.com
I want to push them academically -- let them achieve success!
ReplyDeleteI have two nieces and I don't try to encourage them the way a parent would. However, I do try to inspire them and open them up to new interests by taking them on day trips to local museums, concerts, and storytelling events at the library. We participate in arts and crafts classes once a month and bake together. I spend every Saturday morning and afternoon with them while my brother and his wife work so we try to make it a fun experience and I always applaud their efforts! Hopefully they feel comfortable enough to get excited over trying new things at other times! :)
ReplyDeletedeeg131 at gmail dot com
tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/357717651369369600
ReplyDeletedeeg131 at gmail dot com
Love this! We actually just relocated from TX to CA for my 5 year old who is acting and modeling.. Never in a million years would I have thought I would move away from home but I realized I would do anything for my son so here we are! He is thriving and loving every minute.. This can be a tough place though and he knows regardless of how things go as long as he tries his best and is kind and respectful along the way that is all that matters and we love him no matter what!
ReplyDeleteMy son Rayce wants to be a race car driver. Isn't naming him Rayce the biggest support I could give? No just kidding. At 8 and 6 our kids "dreams" change every week from wanting to be a race car driver to a baseball player to a monster truck driver. I try to roll with the mood and hopefully let them know every day that whatever they want to do I will support them and give them all the tools to help them.
ReplyDeleteEmily
I challenge them by giving them steps to follow in order to reach their goals They want to go to the anime convention, then first they have to do chores to earn the money to get there! It's not just about giving them work to do though It's also about supporting and encouraging them and helping them find ways to get to where they want to go :)
ReplyDeleteTweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/358407413772206080
ReplyDeleteI encourage my daughter to keep trying even when she thinks it's too difficult to go on. I let her know anything that is truely important to her is worth fighting for to press on.
ReplyDeleteWe encourage our children in whatever they decide to do. At 8 & 10 years old, they are starting to explore different sports and we are enjoying watching them and supporting them. :)
ReplyDeleteI encourage my kiddos by doing lots of different activities with them to foster a love of trying new things! I also sign them up for classes to help them learn and grow and find undiscovered talents!
ReplyDeleteTweet!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KaizenFashion/status/358658169637052417
I try to speak as positively as possible and not knock down their ideas.
ReplyDeletechambanachik at gmail dot com
I pray for them and encourage them to do and be anything they want to be. Life is to short to not reach for the stars. Love watching them learn and grow.
ReplyDeleteI encourage and support them to experience all they like, enjoy the process of trial and error. It was not always pleasant and smooth, however I do believe you got to give them chances to grow.
ReplyDeletetcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/359148333241081856
ReplyDeleteMy boys LOVE all things dealing with transportation and little sister especially loves airplanes. Anything to be like big brothers!
ReplyDeleteWe try to have our girls try many new experiences and visit and see many new places. We talk alot obout the importance of finding a career that you really enjoy while making sure that we give back throughout life.
ReplyDeleteWe try to have our girls (6 year old twins) try many new experiences and visit and see many new places. We talk alot about the importance of finding a career that you really enjoy while making sure that we give back throughout life. God is very central in our family-because all things are possible with God!
ReplyDeleteWe try to have our girls try many new experiences and visit and see many new places. We talk alot about the importance of finding a career that you really enjoy while making sure that we give back throughout life. God is important in our family and through God all things are possible!
ReplyDeleteI tell them I’m proud of them. Encourage them to spend their time doing things at which they feel competent and valued
ReplyDeletenavygravY@hotmail.com
https://twitter.com/Merle0304/status/359729923390316546
ReplyDeletenavygravY@hotmail.com
Hello Suz! I am new to your blog and I have just finished reading THE ENTIRE THING! SO! #1 You're amazing #2 Your husband is amazing and hilarious #3 Your kids are ADORABLE! #4 Keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteOh and #5 good luck with the house closing!
I always tell my two boys that anything worth doing or having is worth the effort that has to go into it. I challenge them to try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and be the people they want, not what their peers suggest.
ReplyDeleteI let my girls try whatever they want and decide for themselves if they like it or not :) I "steer" them a little but make it seem like it's their idea :)
ReplyDeletelakelvr (at) earthlink.net
I encouraged mine to work out problems on his own, and to do what his interest are.
ReplyDeletei think the key is to have them try many things, whether it's in the arts, sports, or intellectual pursuits, and see what they spark to or are good at--even if it's not necessarily what you desire. it's best that they find something that they're passionate about, not what they feel pushed into doing!
ReplyDeletekolpin4680 at gmail dot com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kolpin4680/status/360604445702242305
Just give them the confidence they can do ANYTHING!
ReplyDeleteI try to continue to introduce them to new things, so that they are able to have bigger dreams and experiences to want to go towards. :)
ReplyDeleteApril
aprilgoudeau@gmail.com
I challenge my children to follow their dreams by giving positive reinforcement, motivating them often, and enrolling them in classes or teams that help make those dreams become more a reality. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I tell them to give it their all and to try their best.
ReplyDeletemotioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com
We give our 2 (soon to be 3)grandblessings unconditional love, nurture their faith & teach them something new every playdate. And always discourage the use of "I can't" by encouraging them thru completion of the task or skill.
ReplyDeleteBy telling them how I followed my dreams.
ReplyDeleterhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
we try to expose them to different opportunities to find out what they like
ReplyDeleteI tell them they are not winding up living in my basement Rosanne rosans4@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteTweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/364931863258730496
ReplyDeleteRosanne rosans4@comcast.net
I always tell them that they can do anything they put their mind to
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
We encourage them to try new things and believe in themselves.
ReplyDeleteDiane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
I give my daughter the freedom to try things in a different way and use her imagination.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are older, so the encouragement frequently consists of being a sounding board as they think out pros and cons, ins and outs of different things. I sometimes point out things they don't seem to have considered, but it is pretty self-directed by now.
ReplyDeletecgclynsg0 @ gmail . com
I encourage them to follow their hearts, to follow through on things, and that failure isn't always a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI sit with my kids once a month to make a schedule, and I love when they have tons of feedback! IT's something to look forward to every month, even if it is as small as a trip to the library or learning a new sport!
ReplyDeleteI also show my kids that hard work pays off, my husband and I are in the process of opening our own business, so the kids really see how things can happen if you really try!
ReplyDeleteBy teaching them critical thinking and supporting their decisions.
ky2here at msn dot com
https://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/366000834342961152
ReplyDeleteky2here at msn dot com
I encourage my kids by being their biggest and loudest cheerleader! I always let them know that anything can be accomplished if you work hard enough at it and I support them every step of the way!!
ReplyDeleteBrittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com
I encourage my daughter to practice her piano.
ReplyDeletealeksnearing gmail com
I challenge my kids to follow their dreams by giving them standards, option, a little independence, and lots of motivation and encouragement. They get to set up small goals or big goals and show off how well they do. It's the little things that really count for the big picture.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kissxmonkeybutt/status/366272548876451840
By setting a good example and being their biggest support.
ReplyDeleteby giving them individual tasks based on their strong point to help them excel
ReplyDeletestar95011atyahoodotcom
I tell them that they can do anything they want.
ReplyDeleteMCantu1019 at aol dot com
We give them small tasks that they can complete so they feel confident.
ReplyDeleteericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
i do not have kids but i live when my nephew learn somehing new and trying to find his way in the world
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/366658978454835201
ReplyDeleteMy children are adults now but I always tried to find ways to let them achieve small steps on the way to a big goal.
ReplyDeletewillitara [at] gmail [dot] com
I encourage them to tell me anything. And when they do, I never ever talk them down.
ReplyDeletejbodawg at outlook dot com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/366820124709228546
ReplyDeletewillitara [at] gmail [dot] com
I encourage my kids to do their best and keep at it.
ReplyDeleteI encourage them to overcome their fears, celebrate their successes & walk with them through their failures
ReplyDeleteI try to encourage my 3 yr old by listening to her and engaging in her conversations, taking her dreams, ideas and plans seriously. I love what a beautiful mind she has and I am sure that if I continue to listen to her and praising her good attitudes and decisions she will build the self confidence needed to follow her dreams. Hope to win! :) :)
ReplyDeleteI encourage my children to achieve their goals by supporting them and by encouraging creativity and confidence
ReplyDeleteI encourage our kids to reach for their goals by asking them how they are doing, what they want to do and how they plan to do it!
ReplyDeletesusansmoaks at gmail dot com
By encouraging them to follow their dreams, try different things and to challenge themselves
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/366990010643251201
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I encourage all three of mine to try new things and know I beleive in them no matter what
ReplyDeleteI encourage my kids my kids by encouraging them to do anything they set their mind to. My motto to them is the bible verse "With God all things are possible."
ReplyDeleteheatherstamper09@aol.com
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/366994475614089216
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI always tell them to believe in themselves and that you wont know if you like something or not unless you try it!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/367019779271307264
ReplyDeletepokergrl8 at gmail.com
I tell my kids they can be anything they want if they put the hard work in.
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/367022090081157120
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
we tell her she can be whatever she wants to be when she gronws up.
ReplyDeleteEncourage their creativity and allow them to dream big!
ReplyDeletewe homeschool so our kids can focus on subjects that they enjoy and have opportunities to follow their own dreams in life
ReplyDeletepryfamily5@gmail.com
I encourage him to try new things and expose him to many new things - granted he's only 8 months, but new book, new toys, new textures, rain on his skin, puddles after the warm summer storms, sandy beaches etc
ReplyDeleteYou never know what you'll want to be or do in life until you know what's out there!
https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/367727438626709504
ReplyDeleteTWEETED