Bambi
In this modern age, children learn not only from their direct experience but also from the media. In early childhood, films can be a powerful medium to teach children life lessons.
By watching films together, parents can help their children understand relationships, how to deal with difficult events in life and how to make the good decisions.
To coincide with the Disney coming of age classic, Bambi, being released from the vault for a limited time only, child development expert Dr Pat Spungin has devised a list of top tips to help parents make the most of watching films with their kids.
Making friends
Use film characters as a basis to talk to your children about their own friendships; talk about helping each other, having fun together, sharing and how to make up after a quarrel. Use examples from the film like how Thumper and Flower help Bambi to walk and talk.
Death and dealing with bereavement
One of the most powerful moments in any children’s film is the death of Bambi’s mother. For a child who has recently lost a loved one or even a pet, the film provides an opening to talk about loss.
Don’t force the issue but if your child asks, reply with simple answers appropriate to their age. Answer their questions honestly and if you don’t know the answer say so. Reassure your child that you are not going to die for a long time and you will be there to care for them.
Coming of age
Ask your child what they think being older will be like. Prepare them for taking responsibility for themselves.
You can use film characters who go on a journey of self discovery, like Bambi, as an example to show how everyone’s life changes as they grow and that this is a natural progression and something to be celebrated.
Above all, remind them that although they are becoming more independent you will always be there to give help and advice.
How to deal with adversity
All children will face setbacks and failures and a key part of many children’s films is tackling adversity.
While watching such films, take the opportunity to say that bad things happen but it is how we deal with them that is important.
Show examples in the film of how the hero dealt with adversity and in overcoming it became a stronger person. Share some of your own experiences and praise them when in the futures, they take a positive approach to setback.
Environmental awareness
In Bambi the paradise of the forest is spoiled by man’s carelessness in setting off a forest fire. This is a chance to discuss how we value the natural world around us.
Ask your children what they can do to keep their own environment safe. Refer back to the film in everyday life when an environmental issue, like littering, comes up.
Bambi: Diamond Edition is available on high-definition Disney Blu-ray for the first time on 7 February 2011