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Beryl Brackett

Family, Friends and the Lion King

Updated: Mar 12, 2022


Family is very important. While watching The Lion King, I learned that their family is no different from any other family. It’s just like real life. The story is full of ups and downs. Simba is often in danger. The catch here is that he doesn’t have to face it alone. He learns the meaning of loyalty, loss and winds up saving his homeland and taking back his throne. No wonder it has earned more than $11 billion dollars, making it the most successful Disney franchise in history. Fans love watching Simba overcome challenges with the help of his family and friends.


We can achieve great things if we make our relationships a top priority. Building a community that will make your life more joyful and meaningful will help you conquer any obstacle that is in your way. There are several lessons we can learn by watching The Lion King.





Lesson #1

Strengthening Your Friendships

Uncle Scar and the hyenas might have defeated Simba, except for Nala and his other pals sticking with him through difficult times. In happier moments, these friends also knew how to have fun together.


Consider these important lessons about friendship:

  • Be flexible. Lions, warthogs, and meerkats may sound like unlikely allies, but it worked out for Simba. If you’re struggling to make new friends, especially as you grow older, consider reaching beyond your usual circle.

  • Make introductions. Encourage your friends to get to know each other. You’ll discover more about each other and reinforce your connections.

  • Listen to feedback. Even when things looked bleak, Simba’s friends believed in him. Their encouragement helped to give him the courage and confidence he needed to fulfill his destiny.

  • Learn to relax. On a lighter note, Timon and Pumbaa also taught Simba about how to cope with pressure. Remember their famous words about putting your past behind you. “Hakuna matata,” or “no worries.”

  • Focus on quality. When you think about it, Simba had only a few close friends. However, they provided a lot of support. A handful of strong and healthy relationships will enrich your life more than a bunch of social media followers you barely know.

  • Plan ahead. Real friendships are based on trust and positive interactions that develop gradually. Invest time and energy into your relationships. The payoff will be worth it.


Lesson #2

Connecting with Your Family

The movie reminds us about the circle of life. It begins and ends with proud parents introducing the next generation. Cultivating family ties can help you feel rooted.

Keep these ideas in mind:

  • Set boundaries. Happy families treat each other with respect. Maybe Scar could have been a better brother to Mufasa if they grew up differently with reasonable expectations and consistent consequences.

  • Resolve conflicts. Then again, disagreements are natural. What matters is being quick to forgive and open to finding mutually beneficial solutions.

  • Show appreciation. It also helps to let your family know how much you love them (tell them often) instead of taking each other for granted. Express your affection and gratitude.

  • Create traditions. Make daily life and special occasions more festive. Family traditions generate lifelong memories and a sense of belonging. Enjoy weekly movie nights and annual Thanksgiving dinners.

  • Share responsibilities. Routine tasks have a big impact too. Give each family member an opportunity to contribute by dividing chores fairly.

  • Keep in touch. If there was a silver lining in the pandemic, it may have been the increase in time parents and children spent together. As you go back to work and school, keep that trend going with family dinners, bedtime stories, and weekend outings.

  • Cope with grief. The Lion King also had a powerful message about loss that resonates with recent events. Maybe you and your children will find comfort and strength in your spiritual faith and ability to adapt to change.


Healthy relationships are essential for your overall health and wellbeing. They also make life more enjoyable and rewarding. Cherishing your family and friends can make you a roaring success, just like Simba.










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