Frozen Depicts How It is to Be in Preschool

For decades, Disney has been producing movie after movie featuring beautiful princesses and their stories of love and triumph. Little girls everywhere are often enamored with these princess franchises thus flooding the market with princess bedding, toys, posters, and more. Since the early 90’s, animated heroines have become diverse and independent, which has broadened their appeal even more. But have you ever wondered why your young child or preschooler is so drawn to the movie “Frozen”?

Well, because “Frozen” perfectly represents what it’s like to be in Preschool.

Let’s start with a preschooler’s imagination. The inventiveness, creations and imagery that a 3 to 5 year old can conjure up in their imagination is unparalleled during the preschool years compared to any other time in their life. Their world is an extraordinary place filled with wonder and excitement. Preschoolers tend to respond to movies and books that make use of magical realism. Elsa, one of the main characters identified as a heroine with ice magic, has serious appeal that enraptures young children. Because they have an admiration and reverence for her magical abilities, preschoolers are less likely to be caught up with Elsa’s isolation throughout the movie. Not to mention, “Frozen” is one of the only Disney princess movies that does not feature a scary witch. Because of their heightened imagination, children of this age group have a high potential for fright and panic, and mean witch-like characters present a feeling of terror that is too real. The villain in “Frozen” is simply a regular guy who happens to also sing a nice love song.

Secondly, Elsa’s internal conflict is extremely representative of a preschooler’s emotion world. With strong, passionate emotions that often seem uncontrollable, fighting impulses can be a real struggle for young children. During her song, “Let It Go”, Elsa is distressed by the fact that she has “no escape from the storm inside” which reverberates what preschoolers often feel.

Not to mention, the two heroines have a genuine connection as sisters. Even though Elsa regularly rejects Anna’s attempts at developing a close sibling relationship throughout the movie, they have a bond that represents true dedication to family above all. At a young age, children are deeply rooted in their family unit and typically demonstrate an in-group attachment or preference for members strictly in their social circle. Although a romantic relationship with her love interest is exciting and part of the main story line, the relationship between the Anna & Elsa as sisters is much more appealing.

And finally, it’s pretty evident that the music in Frozen is truly amazing. The theme song, “Let it Go” represents being happy and free, which is a universally appealing passion for preschoolers and young children. In a wonderful article on the topic, authors Maryam Kia-Keating & Yalda T. Uhls state:

“Perhaps understanding the perspective of a preschooler can help us appreciate some of what draws us all to this movie: We all feel internal struggles with our impulses… Most of us are pretty loyal to our families, despite their eccentricities and the emotional challenges that we face at times. And all of us want to be happy and free.”

So, if you’ve been wondering about the psychology behind why your preschooler or young child is so captivated with the movie “Frozen”, we hope this has shed a little light on the situation. If you’d like to learn more about our preschool programs and how we help children learn and adjust to emotion, social, and intellectual growth, call one of our amazing staff members today.