This post brought to you by Disney Junior. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

Do your children ever ask you to teach them magic? Mine do all the time, and it might have something to do with the fact that they believe I’m a fairy (#sorrynotsorry about that one). But lest anyone think that I’m teaching them to jump from high places to see if they can fly (who, me?), please know that my magic lessons are usually more practical in nature. Practical magic, you see, is such a great talent to cultivate within your children, because it can serve them well for their entire lives.

I’d love to show you some magic lessons you can teach your children right now, seeking inspiration from Disney, which is the source of some of the most joyful magic out there!

The Magic of Resilient Self-Confidence (Creating Inner Super Strength)

I believe with all of my heart that one of the most important things you can instill in your children is self-confidence. By helping your little ones learn to believe in themselves, you are helping them develop the type of strength that can see them through a lifetime of challenges, big and small.

One of the tricks I have learned as I work on this with my kids is to avoid praising them for innate qualities (such as, “You are so pretty! You are so smart!”). Sure, that will provide them with some confidence, but it lacks the super strength factor you really need: resilience! To cultivate this magical power, focus on praising the hard work and effort your kids put into things (for example, “I noticed you working hard on that lesson. It was a tough one, but you did not give up! Way to go!”). When your child realizes that what they need to persevere in this work is already inside of them, they will glow from the inside out. Confidence that is magical includes resilience!

The Magic of Independence (Creating the Ability to Fly)

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received about how to parent is to remember that parenting is one giant exercise in letting go. Whatever your parenting philosophy might be, and however different it might be than mine (it most certainly is…parenting philosophies are as different as snowflakes!), I can say with confidence that you are doing something right if you are equipping your children to be independent. Fostering independence is one of the things I love the most about the path of education we chose for our kids (Montessori). Even as a preschooler, Layah has a large degree of autonomy in the classroom, and the freedom (and responsibility) to select her own lessons throughout the day, as well as to select where she completes them. The rug is an important element in the classroom, because it allows the children to create learning spaces for themselves most anywhere. I’ve noticed Layah continues to create these little spaces for herself at home, too. She’ll use a blanket or a beach towel like the Disney Minnie Mouse Bows and Dots Beach Towel and then set about her “lesson.”

For me, blankets and towels found throughout the house don’t make me feel frustrated at the clutter, but proud of what they symbolize: my little one carving out her own space, and taking control of her own learning. I can practically see the pixie dust flying around her, because independence is some serious magic!

The Magic of Hospitality (Creating the Happiest Place on Earth)

We are just days away from hosting my beloved mother-in-law (the girls’ Grammio) for a month, and we are also a few weeks away from hosting additional family members for a short visit, too. We are delighted to have the chance to be with our family! I’m trying to take the opportunity to teach my girls about what a magical gift it is to provide hospitality.

Layah is especially hoping to have a sleepover in her room with her cousin Ella, who is closest in age to Layah. I’m showing her how she can help Ella feel welcome and comfortable in her space during her visit. By having a special bedding kit like the Disney Minnie Mouse Bow Power 4-piece Toddler Bedding Set set aside for company, she can easily create a beautiful space for her guests so they can feel special and comfy. 

The Magic of Mommy’s Love (Creating Instant Time Travel)

I don’t think anyone on earth wants time travel to become possible more than mothers. The mere thought of having the chance to rock my babies one more time causes my eyes to get watery and my heart to ache. Why can’t these little ones slow down??? But babies don’t keep, as the saying goes. Even so, a mother’s love is forever. I always want my girls to know that they will always, ALWAYS be my babies. Should life get scary and hard, and they need a moment to curl up with mama and feel shielded from their worries, I’ll be right there, faster than lightning. They can turn back time, even if only for a minute or two, and I will be there with hugs, kisses and cuddles. Always and forever.

The adorable Disney Junior Minnie Mouse items featured in the post today were all purchased on Walmart.com (online purchasing feels like a super power to me, sometimes because I don’t have to go to the store!). I thought they served as a fun reminder of a place where magic is very real, indeed! I hope you are feeling a little more inspired to teach a bit of practical magic to your kiddos the next time they ask to learn how to fly. With the right guidance, they can soar so high!