Parental Guidance for Navigating ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Parents Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

In the world of animated films, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” stands out as a masterpiece that combines adventure, humor, and emotional depth. As a parent, it’s important to understand the themes and messages conveyed in the movie to ensure that it aligns with your family’s values. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for parents to navigate the film’s content and engage with their children after watching it.

Understanding the Themes

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” delves deeper into the relationship between Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, while also exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Here are some key themes that parents should be aware of:

1. Family Dynamics: The film showcases the complexities of family relationships, including the strained relationship between Hiccup and his father, Stoick. This can be a great opportunity to discuss family dynamics and the importance of communication and understanding.

2. Friendship: Hiccup’s bond with Toothless is a powerful representation of friendship. Use this as a chance to talk about the qualities of a good friend and the importance of loyalty and trust.

3. Self-Discovery: Hiccup’s journey in the film is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his identity and make decisions based on his values. Encourage your children to reflect on their own strengths and passions.

4. Conflict Resolution: The film addresses conflicts between humans and dragons, prompting discussions about the importance of finding common ground and resolving differences peacefully.

Addressing Potential Concerns

While “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is a family-friendly film, it’s essential to be aware of potential concerns that may arise:

1. Intense Scenes: Some scenes may be intense or frightening for younger children. It’s important to gauge your child’s sensitivity to such content and decide whether they are ready to watch the movie.

2. Subtle References to Adult Topics: The film occasionally touches on adult topics, such as the death of a character. Be prepared to discuss these topics with your child in an age-appropriate manner.

3. Language: While the film is generally well-behaved, there are a few instances of mild profanity. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the importance of respectful language.

Engaging with Your Child

After watching “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” engage with your child by discussing the following:

1. Characters and Relationships: Discuss the characters and their relationships, focusing on the themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

2. Moral Lessons: Explore the moral lessons learned from the film, such as the importance of courage, love, and understanding.

3. Creative Activities: Encourage your child to create their own dragon or draw scenes from the movie. This can help reinforce the themes and messages of the film.

In conclusion, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is a captivating film that offers valuable lessons for children and parents alike. By understanding the themes and potential concerns, you can ensure that your family enjoys the movie and has meaningful discussions about its content.