Betsy Bozdech
Common Sense Media
Executive Editor, Ratings & Reviews | Mom of two
Finding Dory — Pixar’s poignant, long-awaited (13 years!) sequel to Finding Nemo — is emotionally satisfying, full of lovable old and new characters, and, just as Dory herself would want, utterly unforgettable. Plus, it’s full of great messages about perseverance and teamwork and offers families lots of things to talk about. Try these topics/questions to get started:
- What is the movie saying about family and friendship? What does Dory learn about what makes a family? Kids: Whom do you consider to be part of your family?
- Even if you knew things were going to end on a happy note, which sequences were sad and/or scary? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
- Which characters are role models? What do they do that’s brave, courageous, selfless, and caring? How do their actions demonstrate teamwork and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
- Talk about Dory’s disability and how it affects her. Does it keep her from experiencing love, friendship, or happiness? What does her experience (and Nemo’s) teach us about disabilities? How do you know what your abilities are, and what do you do to make the most of them?
- What does it mean to love someone unconditionally? How do the characters in the movie make it clear that they love each other that way?
About Betsy Bozdech
Betsy’s experiences working in online parenting and entertainment content were the perfect preparation for her role as Common Sense’s executive editor of ratings and reviews. After earning bachelor’s and master’s… Read more
View all posts by Betsy Bozdech on MomsChoiceAwards.com here.
This post was originally posted by Common Sense Media on 6/14/16.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, visit us at www.commonsense.org.
19 Comments on “5 Conversations to Have with Your Kids After Finding Dory”
We have not seen this movie yet but it will be part of our Christmas viewing as it’s going to be in my granddaughter’s Christmas stocking,thanks i will remember to have this discussion with the kids
my son has a disability he came out of the movie saying mom its cool to be different im so happy to hear him say that it melted my heart
Aww…it’s melting our hearts just hearing about it. Glad you enjoyed.
My son has a disability so it makes me proud that movies like Finding Dory are shining a spotlight on these issues to make them more accepting for the next generation. This is how the world becomes more understanding, one small step at a time.
I can not wait to watch this with my grandson. I know we are going to love it . Thanks for sharing
Hope you enjoy, Joanne!
I feel like a horrible mom now, usually we just discuss the funny parts.. I am happy I read this because I’m going to make a mental note of turning the movies we watch into an opportunity for a learning moment. Thank you!
We are going to see the movie this weekend. Thanks so much for sharing this article with these great discussion ideas post-movie with our son.
Glad you found this useful, Corry. Hope you enjoy the movie!
My kids went to this movie this weekend with dad for Father’s day and they loved it!
Aww, sounds like a great Father’s Day! :)
I loved this movie!
We hope to see this movie this weekend but we will discuss these questions afterward
Cool! Glad you liked these topics, Natalie!
We’re going to the movie this weekend. I can’t wait to use some of these questions after.
Awesome!
Can’t wait to see movie with my kids!
We just went to this movie yesterday. Great ideas!
Cool! Glad you liked these conversation topics. :)