‘COCO’ EDUCATES AND ENTERTAINS A 12-year-old boy accidentally banished to the land of the dead befriends a skeleton at risk of being forgotten by his living relatives. Together, they travel through a vibrant, musical, and sometimes bittersweet afterlife in search of a way to solve both their problems. Welcome to the magical world of Disney Pixar’s film “Coco.” “Coco” takes place in Mexico on Día de Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. The Nov. 2 celebration is a time to honor deceased ancestors, but the festivities are at least as joyful as they are somber. Though American awareness of this holiday bubbled under the surface for decades, it exploded when “Coco” hit theaters in 2017. Five years later, the film hasn’t lost its charm and manages to be slightly morbid and uplifting at the same time. It’s also a fascinating peek into a culture many American viewers don’t know well. Beyond Sugar Skulls
Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank-you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well. Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives. Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center. These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run. RAISING THANKFUL CHILDREN A Daily Dose of Gratitude
The film follows Miguel, a child with a passion for music. Unfortunately, his family has sworn off music after
a musician relative brought tragedy to his family many years ago. A series of mishaps whisks him off to the land of the dead, where he meets a down-on-his-luck skeleton named Hector. They set off on an adventure to help each other and learn that they have more in common than they first suspected.
Despite its fanciful nature, most experts agree that “Coco” accurately represents how people celebrate Día de
Muertos. It shows how families use an ofrenda (altar) to remember their dead relatives, travel to the cemetery to visit their graves with offerings, and take time to remember them. The film also portrays the belief that death is not the end of life but rather a new phase. If your family is unfamiliar with Día de Muertos, viewing “Coco” is an excellent way to learn more about the holiday. It’s also an opportunity to discuss some weighty topics together as a family. Children may feel more comfortable approaching the scary subject of death after watching the movie, and it could be the perfect chance to discuss your family’s beliefs. You might also consider how you can better remember your relatives. Any parent looking to pass down their family’s history without their children’s eyes glazing over might never find a better moment. So, sit down together this November to enjoy the family-friendly tale of “Coco” and see what else you might discover.
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