Fairy Tales: Lessons to Teach Children

If you’ve never read a fairy tale to your child, you’re missing out on a great chance to convey valuable messages for the rest of your child’s life. Because, in addition to stimulating the imagination, this type of story teaches good values ​​by giving practical and easy-to-understand examples, such as always telling the truth, obeying your elders and helping others. After reading, chat a little! Ask the child what he learned. We selected four classic stories and asked psychologist Marisa de Abreu to explain the teachings that each one can bring to your child’s moment in life.

Lonely, old Gepetto decides to make himself a wooden doll. Pinocchio comes to life thanks to a fairy, and his voice of conscience is a talking cricket. Only his nose grows with every lie he tells and every one he’s up to. Pinocchio runs away from school and gets donkey ears. After repenting, he turns into a real boy.

Psychologist’s Word:

“Children are unaware of the consequences of their actions. Educating means showing that every attitude has a result, and it is not always positive.”

Moral of the story:

· Lie has short legs.

· It is always better to obey your parents.

· Regretting a mistake brings positive rewards.

2. Little Red Riding Hood

At her mother’s request, the girl crosses the forest to bring sweets to her sick grandmother. On the way, she listens to the advice of a wolf that shows a longer shortcut. Before Little Red Riding Hood arrives at her grandmother’s house, the wolf disguises herself as an old lady, tricks the girl and “lunches” the two. Thanks to a hunter, they are rescued from the wolf’s belly.

Psychologist’s Word:

“Little Riding Hood listened to someone he didn’t know and ended up in a trap. You need to talk about this risk early on with children.”

Moral of the story:

· Don’t be fooled by appearances.

· Never listen to any stranger.

3. Snow White

The evil queen despairs when she hears from the magic mirror that the most beautiful in the kingdom is Snow White and decides to kill her. Saved in the forest by a hunter, she is welcomed by the dwarfs, but the queen does not give up – and bewitches her with a poisoned apple. She awakens to being kissed by a prince.

Psychologist’s Word:

“The most primitive form of defense is revenge. But feeding that feeling only hurts the person and nothing solves. The story also shows how the love and compassion of the dwarfs saved Snow White.”

Moral of the story:

· Beware of envy and excessive vanity.

· Help the next.

· Do not desire revenge.

4. Sleeping Beauty

Princess Aurora’s parents forgot to invite a fairy to the girl’s christening. Filled with rage, she casts a curse: on her 16th birthday, Aurora pierces her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep. After crossing a forest full of dangers, a prince rescues the girl and, with a kiss, awakens her.

Psychologist’s Word:

“Children don’t like to wait. How many times does your child ask if the cake is ready minutes after you put it in the oven? The prince’s waiting and fighting helps to understand that patience is necessary.”

Moral of the story:

· Everything has its time.

· Overcoming obstacles makes a person grow.