Disney's Beauty and the Beast Offers Parenting Lessons

Belle, of "Beauty and the Beast" fame, deserves the Oscar for her accurate portrayal of a teenage girl. Am I joking? (Yes, of course. She's animated.) However, you can draw parallels between the character and your own daughter (no pun intended).

While it seems an unlikely place to find insight specific to the most complicated of all creatures, the collaborative effort of Disney writers (including women AND parents) creates a glimpse into the pubescent, but not-yet-independent psyche of your daughters.

The movie chronicles the experiences of Belle, a teenage non-princess from humble roots. Sound familiar? (It sounds like me...and the neighbor girl...and that chick who sat next to me in Geometry.) How similar is it? Let's consider just the opening song (and the reprise).

Belle sings: "I want adventure in the great-wide somewhere." So did I, and so does your daughter! She may not be from a French provincial village but, more than in the past, she understands that the world is bigger than her backyard. Did the guidance counselor put such a crazy idea in her head? Those college brochures? Regardless of where the idea originated, realize that she is not staying at home forever. Support her. Encourage her curiosity. Buy her a map.

Belle sings: "And for once it might be grand to have someone understand." What about her Dad, "crazy old Maurice"? Isn't he discovering and encouraging her hopes and dreams, so craftily planted by the University of Washington? No. He busies himself with his own aspirations, barely noticing Belle until she is gone. Your daughter may not run off with a Beast; regardless, she isn't staying at home forever. Openly acknowledge her excitement and fears.

She also sings, "I want so much more than they've got planned." Sure, discovering another solar system where dolphins can live net-free existences may seem idealistic to those of us that are old and jaded (or just jaded). To your daughter, it seems absurd that nobody has tried. Don't squash her dreams. Take her to Sea World...or the planetarium. Just don't take her to a tour of the local industrial plant or deliver her an employment application.

So, during your next visit to Blockbuster, peruse the "Family" movies and select the title that will allow a greater understanding your teenage girl. Watch it alone. Then, talk to your daughter. Voila! They all lived happily ever after...and Chip didn't have to sleep in the cupboard anymore.