Yes, fairy tales are not politically correct. Yes, they reflect some old-fashioned values. Yes, there is an element of violence. YES, there is still a place for them when it comes to sharing these stories with kids.
In Hansel and Gretel, the mother is portrayed in a terrible light. Unfortunately, moms are often the ‘bad guys’ in a child’s world. After all, we make them eat their veggies, put them to bed when they want to stay up, refuse to let them eat cookies before supper, insist that toys get put away, say no in stores when they really, really, really want to have something, limit the bowls of ice cream and and sometimes banish then to their rooms for a time-out. How could we do these terrible things if we truly do love them? Kids reasoning and logic is pretty black and white and it’s not easy for kids to balance the wonderful and not so wonderful aspects of moms. Figuring this out takes time and experience and understanding on the part of adults. Sharing this story with kids helps them juggle these ideas as they think about them. We can certainly acknowledge that sometimes it seems that mommies, daddies, caregivers (and kindergarten teachers) are mean and it is not an easy job but we have to make sure kids are safe and learn about growing up. Sigh, that can be hard to do.
Hansel and Gretel also can be used for other kindergarten readiness activities. Their house was made out of gingerbread. Are there any gingerbread stories in your neighborhood? Go for a walk just to see the different kinds of houses around you. This helps children practice observing skills, as well as learning to compare. Have your child draw a house and look for the basic parts–door, windows, walls, and roof. Are they all there or are some missing?
My favorite part of the story is how the sister and brother work together to outsmart the witch and find their way, emphasis on the together. What part of the story is your favorite?