Movie Box Office Opener 'Brave' Explores Some of the Challenges in the Tween/Mother-Daughter Relationship
One of our family activities this weekend was to see Disney Pixar’s new release, ‘Brave’. Not expecting much beyond the popcorn and another ‘kids movie’, I was pleasantly touched by the storyline and female heroine in this animated movie. As the Queen Mother tries to raise her rebellious, red-headed daughter (Merida) to take on her birthright title of ‘Princess’, the mother-daughter dynamic comes to a boiling point, as both reach the peak of frustration over … not being ‘listened’ to. (Sound familiar Moms?!!) When the young Princess seeks out a spell to ‘change’ her Mother, the consequences of that spell play out in an exhilarating and emotional story of transformation for them both!
As an Ob/Gyn Physician I speak with women every day, frequently those in the teen-to-motherhood age range. It’s not uncommon to hear (usually from the mother, less often from the daughter) of the difficulties in communicating/relating between parents and teens. In this time of transition, a parent’s guidance may be met with the pushback of their teen’s growing independence.
This movie not only characterizes this ‘life-changing’ time well, but also depicts a moving tale of love and transformation. Watching this story of mother-daughter love, frustration, and transformation was so touching for me, I found myself even shedding a tear … I called my sister right after, to recommend it for her and my 14-year-old niece.
Consider taking your tween daughter to see this movie … That is, if you can get her to go with you ;)
@drsuzyyhall
