Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers and Disney Junior. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
We have been Disney fans for as long as I can remember, and that’s a long time ago. Now with two new little ones in the house, we are re-branding ourselves as a #DisneyJuniorFamilia.
I try to limit TV time for Em because I don’t find it to be healthy for the mind or body. I would rather see her time spent outdoors playing or using her imagination and creativity. When Em does get TV time, we find it’s important that the show she is watching has a deeper meaning to it than just being a cartoon. Disney Junior gets that about us as parents, and I appreciate it.
Whether you are with Mickey and the Clubhouse Crew, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins or Jake and the Never Land Pirates, you are always learning and exploring. I will admit that Papa allows Em’s daily routine to begin with a cup of milk and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. FIVE DAYS A WEEK! As Papa gets ready for work, Em hangs out on the couch sipping her milk and watching Mickey and the gang. This is their routine, and it works. Papa helps Em get dressed, they wave goodbye to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Donald, and anyone else that happens to be visiting, and they head off to work and school, respectively.
I am sure you can imagine that on weekends Em expects the same morning routine. And I’ll be honest, she get its, and I get a few extra Zzzzzz’s. Em wakes up, asks for milk, and as soon as she secures her milk, she says “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”. I enjoy watching the creativity, and love, that the Disney Junior shows spark in her. Depending on the show she has watched that day, you can see her reenact many of the themes throughout the day.
I really enjoy watching how Em is enchanted by Mickey and the clubhouse crew. Lessons are learned on a daily basis like shapes and numbers, which helps to reinforce what Em is learning at home and in school. Sharing and caring is also a main topic for Mickey and his friends. Em is at such a crucial age where sharing doesn’t come naturally, guiding her along is easier when we see Mickey sharing.
On day 1 of the #DisneyJuniorFamilia photo a day challenge we showed how we smile with our best friend, Mickey Mouse.
When Em watches Sofia the First, she wants to play princess. Any dress will do, but she’s particularly fond of her purple dress, which happens to match the color of Sofia’s dress. We’ve watched episodes where Sofia wears a cape over her gown or even a scarf over her head, and Em will grab one of Preemie’s swaddle blankets and try to replicate the cape or scarf look, while saying “Princess, Princess”. This tells me that she isn’t just watching the show, she’s learning. Although she may not be able to replicate the real meaning behind the episode, she shows signs of it when appropriate. Just like Sofia, Em loves being a princess. Through Sofia’s adventures Em is learning about being kind and compassionate, which is what being a princess is really all about. If Em has accidentally hurt her sister, she always says I’m sorry and gives her a hug. A gesture of kindness and sympathy I have seen repeatedly on Sofia the First and across all Disney Junior shows.
On day 2 of the #DisneyJuniorFamilia photo a day challenge we played Princess dress up like Sofia the First.
Even princesses like to be pirates and set sail on mighty adventures. Taking on quests and challenging the great Captain Hook and Smee, we are shown how the Jake and his friends show kindness when someone needs help, even if that means they lose a race. The rewards for kindness are plentiful and many lessons can be taken from this show. Seeing that a girl can be a pirate too breaks down boundaries for what children far too quickly learn to associate as a boy vs girl show.
On Day 3 of the #DisneyJuniorFamilia photo a day challenge, Em and her first mate, Poochi, sailed the high seas of the living room couch in her makeshift cabin, aka her turned over castle. Even I was surprised by what her imagination had created on a rainy day.
I have to tell you that ever since Doc appeared, our lives have been much easier when it comes to times when Em is not feeling well. When we have to check her temperature or give her medicine, we sing the theme song from Doc McStuffins and it instantly puts Em at ease. Doc McStuffins encourages children to use their imaginations and be creative in their playtime. Our children model so much of our behavior, and as Doc McStuffins models hers after her mothers, Em watches me carefully and likes to mimic what I do throughout the day. Doc is generous and is always willing to lend a hand to her friends and family. Em is always helping me take care of her little sister.
On Day 4 of the #DisneyJuniorFamilia photo a day challenge, we did check-ups just like Doc McStuffins! Even Preemie got a check-up, and thankfully a “very good”, all clear from Doc Em.
For Em’s first birthday last year we decided to take her to Walt Disney World. This year we continued what will now be an annual tradition. Although they may not remember being there, the pictures will help to re-create the memories we are making for our girls, and will be with them forever. We plan to return to Walt Disney World for Preemie’s birthday in October, and turn our visits with the Disney Junior crew into a biannual tradition!
Have you been following our #DisneyJuniorFamilia adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook? Come and celebrate your special Disney Junior Family moments with us.
There is still time to join in on the fun with the 10-Day Photo A Day Challenge. We are only on day 4, with 6 more fun days to go. If you missed any days, don’t worry, you can still do those too! Simply create a photo or video using the daily topics outlined below and be sure to share them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyJuniorFamilia! Don’t forget to upload them to the Disney Junior Facebook App for a chance to have your Disney Junior inspired photos to be featured on TV!
Disney Junior USA wants to stay connected with you! You can visit them on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to keep up with all the latest happening via their official Website and Watch Disney Junior shows on the go!
Disclosure: Mama’s Mission was compensated for this post. However, all opinions express are my own. The materials contained within this post were supplied to me by Latina Mom Bloggers on behalf of Disney Junior. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions regarding this post, or would like to see your brand featured, email Mama’s Mission.
