Jul 15, 2013

Disney's Planes "Reach Your Dreams and Have Courage" Sweepstakes

 



Our family has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Disney's new film Planes in theaters. Since the very first preview, we have been counting down. We love both Cars and Cars 2, and have already marked August 9th on our calendars for this release.


We have watched every trailer available. We feel we already know and love so many of the characters, especially Dusty, the films main character, a crop-dusting plane who has big dreams to become more than he is. He decides to follow his big dreams, enter a rally and race against the world's greatest flying machines.

Dusty has a team of colorful and endearing characters, who each in their own individual way support and help Dusty try to reach his dreams.

Dusty's journey to his goal reminds me of the big dreams and hopes my own children have.

My own little "Dusty's" have or will have big, sometimes unattainable dreams.

 

How am I a part of their team? How do I support and help them reach their goal and have courage to do so?

Basically, what is my parenting style?

In the film, each member of Dusty's Team has a different way of encouraging him. They each bring different traits and styles. I found my own parenting style sprinkled in little traits of each character. However, I found I related the most to Dottie.

Dottie is a little too practical and is very much a realist. She worries over the grandness and the seemingly unreachable nature of Dusty's dreams. She doesn't so much worry about the dream itself, but the danger of the dream for Dusty. Ultimately, though, whatever he decides Dottie will fiercely support him and help get him to where he wants to be.

While I do not possess her tough-love mentality (here I am little more like Chug with my softie heart), even in the face of impractical, unreachable, and even dangerous dreams, I, like Dottie, will back my own little crop-dusters.

When it comes down to it, I would rather them have big unattainable dreams than no dreams at all. I daily will encourage them to Reach For Their Dreams and Have Courage. I find myself doing this by facing life with joy, some seriousness, a lot of laughter, and a bit of biting my tongue.

When their vocalized goals seem impractical, I make sure I don't put out their fire with a ready response such as, "That pencil stand made from folded printer paper is nice, but let's not sell it door-to-door in the neighborhood." Instead I try to let them follow through with their idea. Even if that means there might be danger in their feelings getting hurt or no one buying their very "fancy" paper holder. Who knows, they might just be the inventors of the next must-have ergonomic desk accessory.

I want them to be smart about their goals and encourage them to think them through. However, I work really hard to not dash the dream or the dreamer.
 
All it takes is courage, both for the dreamer and the Momma.

The dreamer just needs the courage to reach, to try, to fail, to succeed, to dream. As parents, I feel we can help our dreamer by tapping into who we are and using our strengths to support them. Just like Dusty had a team full of supporters with different styles encouraging him, our dreamers can be encouraged by different styles, too.


The Momma and Dad just need the courage to let our dreamers FLY while trying not to worry too much about the heights or possible crashes.

Again, dreaming a big dream is better than no dream.

Let them fly.


Now for the Reach Your Dreams and Have Courage Sweepstakes!

To enter for a chance to win a $100 Fandango.com gift card all you need to do is leave a comment by answering the question--

How do you challenge your children to follow their dreams?
 
Easy as that.
 
If you are counting down the days to PLANES like we are, head over to their Main Site for all the movie goodness.
 
Other ways to follow along with PLANES-
 

 

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 7/15 - 8/12.
Be sure to visit the Disney Planes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

122 comments:

The Chase's said...

So do I enter here or comment on the post on FB? I definitely want to enter, I just want to make sure I am doing it correctly! :)

Natalie said...

Lady, your boys are so handsome and it kills me just a touch.

ColleenandKendra said...

I also work hard to try not to dash the dreams, and it IS hard work! In dream-supporting, I use my life experience and knowledge to guide her in directions that will help her accomplish her dreams. For example, my girlie is a theater kid, and when she started middle school I knew that choosing choir over band would be a step toward her dreams of being in her high school's big musicals. So while the lure of the instrument was there upon registration(as it is for all kids) I explained why choir would be the choice that would help her with her further goals, and then I let her choose. She is smart--she listened to her momma! :-)

Kinsey Pistorius said...

Larissa, love seeing your family on your blog and keeping up with you guys. we are excited about this movie too! :)

AnnaZed said...

I find with my two step-sons that it's important to take things that might seem fantastical (like "I want to be an artist!") completely seriously and see how they develop. I try to give them support (and supplies!).

margueritecore [at] gmail [dot] com

AnnaZed said...

I posted a tweet also:
margueritecore [at] gmail [dot] com

Shandell said...

I encourage my 4 year old to try new things and let him know that if it doesn't quite work out the first time he can always try again!

Shandell said...

I tweeted as well- https://twitter.com/ShanLeAnn/status/356837982738710529

Melanie said...

I encourage them by helping them realize what it is they can do NOW to help them reach their goals later in life.

Monica said...

Hey Larissa! It's been too long since I've visited your blog. I loved this post, and it helped me realize I need to be a less hesitant mommy and not hamper my children's dreams. I think where I do help them is I have encouraged them to read a lot, which I think helps tremendously in opening their imaginations and help them learn about the world around them and so many possibilities of what life can hold for them.

Corrie- said...

I'm trying to give my two toddlers the independence they are craving while keeping them safe! We let our little guy wear his sisters pink sparkley shoes because he can put them on by himself, and our darling little girl is picking out her clothes herself as we stick with it. These are baby steps to achieving big dreams, but that's where we are. (ps, I love the photo of you with your 4 littles on the couch!)

Mami2jcn said...

I 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.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/356885002509762560

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

momo said...

My children are all grown and gone now, but I always told them to follow your dreams no matter what they might be. I have to say that I am proud of all four of them and what they have done with their lives.

Unknown said...

When my two were growing up I challenged them and encouraged them to be who they were/wanted to be and who they would become. My daugher was "Miss Drama" and actually wanted to be an actress at one time so encouraged her to take drama at school. My son wanted to be so many things and each time he changed his mind I went with the changes and told them both that only they could hold themselves back from what they wanted to be.

Keri said...

What a fun give-away. My husband and I are raising 4 little boys. This topic comes up often in our home with all their wild and crazy ideas, dreams and aspirations.

We teach our boys that FEAR is to be conquered with COURAGE. Anything is possible as long as you know your limits. Limits are healthy in everything. Its the root of balance and life needs balance to be successful. Its foolish to assume you can jump in an airplane for the first time and nose dive to the ground and pull up last minute with no fault if you havnt practiced.

We have always told our boys that "The Sky is the Limit" but if foolish you can easily burn yourself out and drop fast to the ground. Anything in life has to be accomplished "Line Upon Lin, Precept Upon Precept" once youve gained the appriciation of this process the mistakes you make along the way wil give you the reassurance and confidence that you are still well on your way to success. Itsn that the the true deffinition of COURAGE?

Itsimportant to realize the benifits of our trials and the power we have nehind them to conquer the sky and kiss the clouds. We have a saying in our home that goes nicely with your theme "If the Lord is your Co-Pilot, then you are sitting in the wrong seat" When we show humility in obtaining our higest goals and dreams we can then FLY proudly through the turbulance in life and soar to higher levels and be a success to all things we desire :)

peg42 said...

We encourage and have our kids talk about their dreams. We also offer them positive reinforcement to help them feel confident about themselves
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Kia89 said...

I don’t have kids, but I encourage my niece by telling her she can do anything she sets her mind to.
austma7@aol.com

Denise S. said...

I remind my kids that they can do anything they want and that God made everybody with a purpose.

Tamar said...

We let them pursue whatever they want within limits.
tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com

Elena said...

I encourage my son by supporting his ideas and dreams and by telling him he can achieve his goals by working hard

elena150980@yahoo.com

Elena said...

https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/356946126546538496

elena150980@yahoo.com

greenhome said...

Always be encouraging, and LISTEN to what they are saying.

kellyr78 said...

I try to involve my kids in sports or activities that interest them. I also practice with them and encourage then to try their best to achieve their goals.

kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

kellyr78 said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/kellydsaver/status/356967610065235968

kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

sohamolina said...


By letting her to try as many avenues as possible.

sohamolina said...

https://twitter.com/sohamolina/status/356969776788144128

Unknown said...

by letting them tackle the obstacle head first and then if they cant on their own I come in for help...I always try to give my children the most positive advice possible

Lisa said...

We tell our kids they can do anything they put their minds to and are willing to work hard for and then we help them along the way. We tell them we "never say never" or the words "I can't"

clc408 said...

I encourage them by praising their successes and show them ways to try to reach their goals.

clc408 said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/357155217105629185

channallocks said...

we encourage our daughter to follow her dreams riding her horses

SStockhoff said...

I love the plane wings! You two have definitely started giving your boys wings to fly. Well done you!

jlafount said...

I have no kids. I would let me just play and learn about interacting with others in sport and fun

HilLesha O'Nan said...

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. :)


HilLesha(at)twc(dot)com

wigget said...

we cheer them on really loudly

Adrienne said...

my 4 year old loves soccer...he always insists on wearing his Curious George underwear with soccer balls every Saturday when he has soccer. that's the only day he will wear them, lol. my 6 year old doesn't like soccer but she still wanted to sign up for it. after trying it out she realized that she does not like it. we still encourage her to stick with it until the season is over and if she wants to try something different next time then she can. she is the artist of the family and not so much a sports person. so we'll encourage her to do her art stuff and find other things she may be interested in. she is really into bugs this summer...like obsessed with bugs. i have a hard time biting my tongue cuz she is constantly wanting to find bugs and put them in her bucket. even while at a park...i will say, 'just go and play and have fun and lets not worry about bugs 2day'. ha-ha. she is strong willed and knows what she likes and what she wants. we try our best to not squash her personality and spirit.

Nicole Larsen said...

I 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!

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/357567132218826753

pittsy82@hotmail.com

rachel said...

We try to lead by example -- be positive and look to God since he's the dream giver.

Mark and Sarah +2 said...

My littles, like most kids, change their minds every day about what they want to be when they grow up. I ask them questions about what they would like about having that job and encourage them (even when the job sounds a little dangerous). I try to be careful not to discourage their ideas because they may not conform to my ideas of what they should do with their lives.

Dee said...

I 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! :)

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Dee said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/357713435959635968

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I helped my kids find their passion this summer, and when they did, they had to work on it for two hours each day before doing anything else.

julis55 said...

I encourage my children by working hard for what we have.

Unknown said...

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 :)

Unknown said...

Tweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/358368416568053762

Unknown said...

I 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.

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

I 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!

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

Tweet!
https://twitter.com/KaizenFashion/status/358662360564637697

Jennifer Cervantes said...

I encourage my 4 girls to follow their dreams and we also immerse them to as much as we can in terms of museums, places, and life experiences

erika said...

I try to speak as positively as possible and not knock down their ideas.

chambanachik at gmail dot com

JC said...

I 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.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

JC said...

-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/359152384108269568

My Recent Favorite Books said...

I love to "lead by example", and to let my children follow their dreams!

merle said...

I tell them I’m proud of them. Encourage them to spend their time doing things at which they feel competent and valued
navygravY@hotmail.com

merle said...

https://twitter.com/Merle0304/status/359725107826003969
navygravY@hotmail.com

Michelle J. said...

I provide them the materials to do what they dream.

Michelle J. said...

I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/short624/status/360143343520460800

kolpin said...

i 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!

kolpin4680 at gmail dot com

kolpin said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/kolpin4680/status/360590177531473920

Terra Heck said...

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.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lisa said...

I tell them to give it their all and to try their best.

motioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com

Hilary said...

I try my best to get excited about whatever my son is excited about. We read books, have lots of conversations, and do activities to encourage his learning.
lilhil@gmail.com

Cathy said...

once a year I tell my girls to do at least one thing that scares them. It can be something as easy as making a new friend, or joining a club at school that they have wanted to do, but weren't sure about. It definitely boosts their confidence!

Eat. Sleep. Make. said...

I remind my kids each day what they're good at and encourage them to continue practicing and getting better so they can be the best version of themselves :) -Jen

msrodeobrat said...

I always tell them that they can do anything they put their mind to
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

Tara said...

I let them try new things!
tara.huff(at)gmail(dot)com

bunnyswagg said...

We challenge our kids to try new things and to not be afraid of being different.

bunnyswagg said...

I tweeted
https://twitter.com/kissxmonkeybutt/status/365362589582102528

steve weber said...

tell them to work hard, and to never give up and don't listen to what anyone says.

esldiane@gmail.com said...

We encourage them to try new things and believe in themselves.
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

clynsg said...

My 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.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail . com

one frugal lady said...

I 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!
I 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!

ky2here said...

By teaching them critical thinking and supporting their decisions.

ky2here said...

https://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/365996240468582400

ky2here at msn dot com

bbrittbrat1398 said...

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 they way!!
Brittney House bbrittbrat1398@yahoo.com

Aleksandra Nearing said...

I encourage my daughter to practice her piano.

Cassandra M said...

I give them projects tailored to their individual strong points

star95011atyahoodotcom

Unknown said...

Encourage them to think forward - what do you want to do? why do you want to do that? what do you hope to accomplish?

KrazeKatLady said...

I tell them if they want it bad enough, they can make it happen.

krazekatlady at gmail dot com

KrazeKatLady said...

Tweeted https://twitter.com/happeegirl/status/366439191204208641

krazekatlady at gmail dot com

KrazeKatLady said...

Blogged about giveaway!
http://happeeliving.blogspot.com/2013/08/disney-planes-giveaway.html

krazekatlady at gmail dot com

Linda said...

we set goals and I encourage them along the way.
mintstatesportswear(at)juno(dot)com

Karen said...

We let them dream BIG !!

ktgonyea at gmail.com

MCantu1019 said...

I just tell them they can do anything they want to do and practice, practice, practice.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

Erica C. said...

We give them tiny manageable goals often.
ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com

Kenny Fensom said...

give them a good example

Erica best said...

i do not have kids but i live when my nephew learn somehing new and trying to find his way in the world

Erica best said...

https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/366662370556248064

Emily said...

So much fun!

Bernie Wallace said...

I encourage them by helping them build confidence in themselves.

Charity/CC said...

I am always pushing my son to strive for greatness.

ccboobooy at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

We use positive reinforcement.

Betty C said...

My children are adults now but I always tried to find ways to let them achieve small steps on the way to a big goal.

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

I encourage them to tell me anything. And when they do, I never ever talk them down.

michedt said...

I challenge them by letting them make mistakes on their own and learning from them. I think it's very important to the development of a child.
Michelle Tucker
michelletucker at baconnation dot net

michedt said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/iiiyadirf/status/366800569433722882
Michelle Tucker
michelletucker at baconnation dot net

Betty C said...

Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/366804839319089152

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

I have always told my kids that they can be anything they want to be and constantly give them positive reinforcement to reach their goals no matter how big or small. furbywins@gmail.com

jperry said...

I try to encourage my girls to overcome their fears, celebrate success, & walk with them through failures.

Unknown said...

I encourage my children to achieve their goals by supporting them and by encouraging creativity and confidence

ashley said...

I don't have kids but if I did I would encourage them to be themselves, work hard and no matter what I will always be proud of the.

ohsmiledarling (at)gmail (dot)com

vegan4life said...

encourage my niece nephew by positive reinforcement of what they want to be.vivian
darkeve@care2.com

Unknown said...

To challenge my boys to reach their goals I usually remind them of ones they've already reached and the benefits they received from doing so. At my boys' ages (4 and 6) I think it's mostly important to keep their confidence up when it comes to dream- supporting. :)

Tabathia B said...

By encouraging them to follow their dreams, try different things and to challenge themselves

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet

https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/366978146270060544
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

giggling kids said...

I tell them that they can do anything they set their minds too because " With God all things Are possible."

heatherstamper09@aol.com

tina reynolds said...

I encourage them by letting them know I believe in them and that anything is possible when you try. Just a lot of positives

tina reynolds said...

https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/366987641578721280

Unknown said...

https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/367016591319244801

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I 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

Anonymous said...

https://twitter.com/aes529/status/367016770021756929
pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Rachel said...

we're always saying she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up

Sequins and Skeletons said...

Encourage their creativity and allow them to dream big!

Sequins and Skeletons said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anna Pry said...

we homeschool so our kids can focus on subjects that they enjoy and have opportunities to follow their own dreams in life

pryfamily5@gmail.com

richied.becky said...

I always tell them not to hesitate if it's something they really want to do. Sometimes they want to walk away and I take their hand and help them through it.

richied.becky said...

I tweeted: https://twitter.com/cancer_free_me/status/367093103024279553

classy_mommie@yahoo.com
(forgot to put this email in my question response) :) thnx

candy said...

I encourage them to follow their dreams by evolving them in things that will help them get their dreams and meet their goals and always telling them that they can be anything as long as they keep trying and believe in their self like I believe in them wilcarvic
[at]gmail[dot[com]]

Adrienne said...

has a winner been announced yet? I'm no longer on facebook. e-mail is adrienne.and.justin@gmail.com. not that I'm really expecting to actually win, but just in case! ha-ha. by the way, the movie was great! :-)

Anonymous said...

I challenge my kids to follow their dreams by listening to them and giving them advice.

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