Share books, movies, and TV shows that capture stories of the power of relationships with children outside of the parent-child relationship. All genres have potential. Think about stories of:
Ooh, this is fun. Off the top of my head (all geared toward kids, of course):
MIGHTY DUCKS! For reasons that don't matter, my husband and I just looked at the synopsis, and I had completely forgotten that Gordon Bombay was assigned to coach youth hockey as community service for a DUI.
Slightly different -- Miss Honey finds family in Matilda, and vice versa. She didn't need to become responsible, but she did learn that she was worthy of family and happiness!
Similar to Matilda/Miss Honey is Kate O'Shaughnessey's middle grade LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU. Joe and Carlota thought they'd never heal from the loss of their infant daughter, but then Mo enters their lives!
You already mentioned it, but THE WILD ROBOT, of course!
The graphic memoir SUNSHINE by Jarrett J. Krosoczka tells the story about the impact of his time as a counselor at a summer camp for terminally ill children and their families.
Still Life by Sarah Winman has a beautiful relationship between a girl and her mum's friend/lover/kind-of-stepdad, and generally lots if found family goodness.
I love love love Little Miss Sunshine and the iconic granddad-granddaughter relationship!
Share books, movies, and TV shows that capture stories of the power of relationships with children outside of the parent-child relationship. All genres have potential. Think about stories of:
Aunts and uncles
Grandparents
Babysitters
Coaches
Teachers
Neighbors
Ooh, this is fun. Off the top of my head (all geared toward kids, of course):
MIGHTY DUCKS! For reasons that don't matter, my husband and I just looked at the synopsis, and I had completely forgotten that Gordon Bombay was assigned to coach youth hockey as community service for a DUI.
Slightly different -- Miss Honey finds family in Matilda, and vice versa. She didn't need to become responsible, but she did learn that she was worthy of family and happiness!
Similar to Matilda/Miss Honey is Kate O'Shaughnessey's middle grade LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU. Joe and Carlota thought they'd never heal from the loss of their infant daughter, but then Mo enters their lives!
You already mentioned it, but THE WILD ROBOT, of course!
The graphic memoir SUNSHINE by Jarrett J. Krosoczka tells the story about the impact of his time as a counselor at a summer camp for terminally ill children and their families.
Oh yes, Mighty Ducks, it seems to me there were more coaching stories growing up than there are now. I love all these!
Anne of Green Gables might be my favorite example of a reluctant adult (Marilla) learning to love and be changed by a child!
Oh, yes a classic!
The Sound of Music
That's a good one. My kids learned some of the songs this year at school and sing them often!
thanks for all these recommendations! My favorite literary genre!
Thank you for sharing Kathryn!
I loved the discussion so much, rich and hopeful!
I saw someone else mention Matilda which was the first that came to mind, and then I thought of Harriet the Spy and Gully 💜
Harriet the Spy was one of my all time favorite books as a kid!
She totally inspired me to carry around notebooks - and keep them secret 🤪 🩷
Still Life by Sarah Winman has a beautiful relationship between a girl and her mum's friend/lover/kind-of-stepdad, and generally lots if found family goodness.
I love love love Little Miss Sunshine and the iconic granddad-granddaughter relationship!
Little Miss Sunshine is so good! And thanks for the other rec, I looked it up, looks good!
Have you tried K-dramas?...all relationships start with caring first
Oooh, any specific ones you would recommend?
These are well-loved When Life Gives You Tangerines and Crash Landing on You (the gateway drug to Korean dramas)https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culture-religion-and-psychology/202503/when-life-gives-you-tangerines-turn-to-your-people