Fictional Characters Teaching Our Children Life Lessons

by Blog Contributor | June 17, 2024 | Children’s Books, fantasy | 0

^{Photo by Mike Fallarme}

Fictional characters do have an influence on people’s lives, especially our children. And today, we’re going to find out what they are.

In an age where our children are exposed to endless media options, this is where parents need to step in. However, worry not because there’s a lot our children can learn from fictional characters.

While fantasy stories may seem like simple diversions, the lessons imparted by these beloved characters are undeniable. Moreover, when children connect with the protagonists, they’re more receptive to the teachings embedded in those characters. Parents should always nurture their children’s curiosity as they grow. Their perception of the world and how they learn from it will guide them in absorbing everything around them, even the fictional media they read or watch.

Life Lessons That Kids Can Learn from Fictional Characters

Telling the Truth

Whether it’s a protagonist or a supporting character, there’s nothing more beautiful than being honest. It symbolizes great character when they don’t hesitate to stand for the truth. Fictional characters with that in them tend to shine in the story, making them a great moral guide for kids. So, if you’re reading a book to your child, try to see if its characters reflect honesty.

Acknowledging their Feelings

Fictional characters can also teach children about being honest with their feelings. For instance, Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” is the strongest example. Its characters embody all the emotions in a normal human being, even named after them.

Through those characters, our kids can learn to make sense of them all rather than bottling their emotions up. Additionally, we can’t appreciate positive emotions without the existence of negative emotions. Therefore, we should teach our kids how it’s okay to be vulnerable with our feelings and that they should be expressed in the healthiest way.

Moving Forward and Never Looking Back

Encouraging children to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past strengthens them. This skill is essential for navigating the inevitable challenges and uncertainties of life. When children learn to take responsibility for their choices and actions rather than playing the blame game, they do better. This encourages them to make constructive decisions and shape their own destinies.

Somehow, the past still haunts us, even as adults. It’s hard to get away from the cruel grasp of it. That’s why fictional characters have a way of showing us, not just our kids, that moving forward is a good thing. After all, some things are out of our control, and we cannot move forward.

Facing your fears

It’s normal to feel scared, especially about things we do not know. However, part of being brave is to do things despite being scared. When children see characters they admire confront their fears, it demonstrates that overcoming daunting challenges is possible. This builds a sense of self-assurance to tackle their own fears and anxieties.

Furthermore, it’s good that children express their fears early on to avoid suppressing them. Doing so could lead to unhealthy consequences, such as refusing to confront those fears. Avoiding or suppressing fears can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and heightened anxiety. However, children learn to regulate their emotions better in many situations by facing fears head-on.

Loving Oneself, Even When Others Don’t

The ability to love and accept oneself is incredibly powerful. Fictional characters who embody this trait can surely impact people’s lives, especially the young ones. After all, society has a lot of overwhelming standards that can ruin a person’s self-esteem. Fictional characters who learn to love themselves will encourage children to do the same. And because they have love for themselves, these kids will eventually reciprocate it by loving others as well.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Comfort zones, by definition, limit a person’s experiences and possibilities. The world is constantly changing, and adapting to new situations is essential. By stepping out of their comfort zones, children learn to think creatively. Furthermore, they approach problems from different angles and develop flexibility for various situations.

Each time fictional characters overcome something, it sends a message that kids have the inner strength and resourcefulness to handle life’s challenges. This boosts children’s self-confidence and belief in their own capabilities. Additionally, these fictional characters inspire the kids to open themselves up to better life opportunities.

Not Sweating the Small Stuff

Children who see characters respond to setbacks and inconveniences with grace and perspective learn valuable emotional regulation techniques. Rather than being overwhelmed by every challenge, they learn to take a step back. They also assess the situation objectively and respond calmly and with reason. Children who learn this skill from fictional role models are better equipped to adapt to change.

Wrapping It Up

Of course, not all fictional characters are created equal. Hence, parents should carefully filter the media their children consume. However, parents can take the story’s nuances when fictional characters in scary books for kids come into play. It’s safe to say that there’s still a lot to learn from them, even when these characters are scary.

When taught with care, fictional characters can even be a powerful supplement to a child’s character. Furthermore, kids are encouraged to reflect on their behavior and emulate the fictional characters in those books. Get your children a copy of The Hairy Mountain Monster: How I Lost My Parents by Norma Fleagane so they can spread their wings and face their fears.