Did you know Disney have launched a brilliant new campaign #HealthilyEverAfter to inspire life-long healthier behaviours in families through story-telling, fun and play? The Disney Inspired site is full of creative, imaginative ideas to help keep families healthy and active. I love the idea of an Olaf Bento Box and would quite like to try Mike’s Monster Work Out myself.
As a family we love Disney films, I like the strong female characters, the determination, loyalty and love from Elsa and Anna, the strong independent Mary Poppins and hard working Tiana all setting a good example to my daughters. I love the larger than life genie who is full of character, the cheeky but lovable Olaf and playful Mike all of whom appeal to Zak’s quirky sense of humour.
My little girls are very play orientated, I’ll often find them knee deep in soft toy picnics, or nursery schools complete with dressed teddy bears, book and craft corners. Their imagination never fails to surprise me and always makes me smile especially when it’s inspired by a book or movie we all enjoy.
I recently watched The Little Mermaid with them, one of my all time favourite childhood films which inspired them to get their “collections” out like Ariel has her collection of people items. They found boxes filled with decorated stones, little badges and keepsakes, it was a real trip down memory lane and again inspired some great sisterly play. Ariel’s determination to fight for what she wants and general stubbornness also reminds me of my middle daughter, who shares those same traits. When we went to a trampoline park recently I watched her try over and over again to do a flip off a block, she waited patiently for her turn and didn’t give up until she’d mastered it.
Frozen is another Disney film that pops up again and again in our house. Sydney and Hannah often dress up as Elsa and Anna, declaring their love for each other after freezing various items around the house, on one occasion they even asked me to actually freeze some toys. The photo above is Hannah’s homemade Elsa costume which she put together herself from a Cinderella dress, gloves and a homemade crown.
I’m one of those people who cannot stand being indoors all day, so as a family we are quite active outdoors, but sometimes the children need a bit of encouragement, especially when the weather isn’t great. The kids have been known to pretend we’re The Incredibles, sadly I am not as nimble as Mrs Incredible, but Sydney has some great gymnastic skills.
Having children has most definitely made me get outside and be more active generally. Weekends that were once spent shopping and drinking coffee in Starbucks are now filled with muddy walks, bike rides and trips to the park. Planning and cooking healthy food for the kids inspires me to eat better food myself too.
How do you inspire your family to be healthier and more active? Why not join in the fun and tell us about it on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #HealthilyEverAfter?
Disclosure: This post is part of Disney’s #HealthilyEverAfter campaign with BritMums, sponsored by Disney. Share your stories and be inspired at DisneyHealthyLiving.co.uk and live Healthily Ever After (#HealthilyEverAfter).
Kate Holmes
Loved reading your post and your great pics. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part.
Izzie Anderton
I hope that lots of families will be inspired to take part in Disney’s Healthily Ever After campaign. My daughters did ballet & rowing when they were growing up and have continued with these activities at university.
Sonya Cisco
Watching their imaginations come alive is one of my favourite things about being a parent – and it is so lovely to see where the love of a favourite film take their imaginations. No Elsa or Little Mermaid for me anymore, my daughter is 19, but my boys love Wreck It Ralph and The Incredibles!
Louise
We are pretty active in the Summer but have definitely turned into cabbages over the Winter. We are huge Disney fans and I know anything to do with the characters would motivate my two to get up and about. x
Ness
My son has been watching Frozen at school today and he’s come home wanting to sing some of the songs from it. I think he wants snow now this weekend!
Kara
I think role playing is definitely a girl thing and I love watching Eliza and her friends act things out. This campaign is fabulous isn’t it. Love your video
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
I also love Disney for their strong female characters – it’s so important for young girls to have positive role models.
oana79
I love this campaign and was peeved when we didn’t get to work with Disney on it. We keep active by going to drama classes and on various adventures at the weekend.xx
Charly Dove
Oh this is just lovely, what a brilliant film too. We’re like you, absolutely have to be outdoors in whatever the weather! So nice getting fresh air and blowing away those cobwebs. This is such a great Disney campaign, we’re part of it too and it’s been great. We made Pooh out of fruit and dressed as Tinker Bell! X
The Mummy Diary
We love getting out and about, although it is all to easy to stay in and veg out. Fresh air certainly blows away the cobwebs and makes you feel all round healthy. Love the little collections like Ariel, I might make a box for some of my daughters collections as a little treat on Friday.
Jen
Disney has some wonderful strong women in its movies. I used to love watching the boys play and imagine! I love the new header too!
Cass@frugalfamily
I really admire Disney for the lessons they try to teach children knowing how many children across the world watch their films and TV shows. More influential companies should do this in my opinion x
Keri-Anne
I love that Mary Poppins have been included! What an amazing campaign x
karen
The little mermaid is one of my all time favourites too! Love your video, just gorgeous x