Why Jordan totally connects with Frozen's Elsa
When we took the kids to see Frozen last year, we all connected to it immediately. We loved the music. We loved the story. We loved the girl power. But deep down, we really appreciated Elsa, the ice queen, and her struggles. I thought about it almost immediately. Elsa has magical powers that make her different. She can turn things into ice. She tries to not “let them in, don’t let them see” her differences. What she eventually learns is her life is burdened when she choses to “conceal, don’t feel.” Once she chooses to be her true self, she learns to take advantage of her differences. It’s celebrated by her sister and her kingdom. I drew conclusions pretty quickly about how Elsa had to realize she’s different and it’s okay. Her inner debate ended up freezing her kingdom for a while. Most kids with differences don’t have such an outward struggle.
Jordan recently realized her connection to Elsa. I never pushed it on her. But this week, when we started talking about Disney princesses, she had a big ‘aha’ moment. I’m trying to prepare her for a super huge birthday surprise to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Jordan is a very lucky kid who has celebrated at the salon for her third, fifth and seventh birthdays. I had told her the salon was fully booked and she wouldn’t be able to go for her ninth birthday. But I’m totally surprising her with a special trip. In advance, I wanted to make sure she had a surprise outfit in the style of her favorite princess. The problem? I wasn’t sure which princess is her favorite. So I casually asked and Jordan thought long and hard about it. That’s when she brought up Elsa. After a few moments she had an Elsa realization. Then Jordan talked about how the princess knows what it’s like to be different… And then she “Let It Go.” (I love excuses to sing that song.)
Yup. My daughter knows her Disney facts. And I’m super impressed that she figured out how Elsa connects to her own life.
I know some parents try to steer their kids away from the princess culture. My rough and tumble, sporty girl has a very dressy side. I love to celebrate all of it. I think it’s very cool for her to have two awesome Disney characters to connect with: Nemo and Elsa. Our visit to Walt Disney World will give us a chance to celebrate both characters in some really fun ways. I can’t wait.
Pretending to be Elsa
I am an autistic flutist and I love the character of Elsa. I value human relationships, but I find myself more lonely in a crowd than alone. The song “Let it Go” reminds me of myself. I tried to typicalize myself, but then I finally embraced who I really am. I am not most people. Most people feel terrified at the thought of height, but I find it empowering. When I’m above everyone else, I feel like I have a sense of control. I don’t have a problem with princess culture, but I think that we need more “take charge” princesses. I think Jordan will like Mulan if she hasn’t seen it already.
I totally agree, Anna! Thanks so much for the recommendation to watch Mulan. I’m not sure if she’s watched the movie yet.
You cannot imagine how much a good time I had reading your article.
I haven’t seen Frozen yet (hope to watch the movie soon), but “Let It Go” inspires me so and so much. It gives me so power as when I was younger I had trouble in finding how I am and in being myself in front of the others, but now I am who I am, always, and I am so and so proud of that.
I think different people, in the way that we are different, doesn’t matter, we are graced because we can inspire others in being themselves. As I used to say to everyone: “Be yourself as everyone is already taken!”.
P.S: Jordan’s last photo is amazing, she’s so hilarious 🙂
Wow– I love it! Elsa is a wonderful role model for all kids (and all adults, too, really!). By passing along the message to be yourself and love yourself, we all value our uniqueness, and that of others, more. Elsa pushes us to value diversity by telling us to take all of the expectations to be something other than ourselves and just let them go. Thank you for sharing this, Jen! And thank you to Anna and Laura, too, for opening up about what Frozen means to you!
[…] written in the past how Frozen remains a family favorite in our house even when it has fallen out of favor with many of Jordan’s friends. So when I […]