Life Lessons from The Wizard of Oz: A Grandma’s Tale for Parents

Jan 22

Have you noticed how The Wizard of Oz is having a moment again? With the buzz around the new movie Wicked, people of all ages are falling in love with this classic story in a fresh, modern way. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a big fan of Elphaba and Glinda, who are stealing the show these days. But today, I want to talk about Dorothy. Her journey still speaks to us, especially to parents and grandparents. Let me share why I think this timeless tale is a goldmine of wisdom for raising kids in today’s world.

When Life Feels Like a Tornado

If you’re a parent, you know what it’s like to be in the eye of a storm—not the kind that whisks you off to Oz, but the daily whirlwind of parenting. You know, those mornings when shoes are missing, cereal is spilled, and somehow, you’re already late before the day has started.

Dorothy’s tornado may have been dramatic, but it’s a spot-on metaphor for the chaos we face as parents. Like her, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar territory—be it a grocery store with a tantrum-throwing toddler or staring at a mountain of homework that feels impossible to conquer. Dorothy’s story teaches us an important lesson: sometimes, you just have to ride out the storm. It’s messy and far from glamorous, but it can lead to unexpected, meaningful destinations.

Rediscovering the Magic of Home

Dorothy’s heartfelt mantra, “There’s no place like home,” felt like a fairy tale to me when I was younger. Now, as a grandmother, I understand its depth. Home isn’t about spotless counters or well-behaved kids—it’s about connection.

When Dorothy finally makes it back to Kansas, it’s not because everything is perfect there. It’s because that’s where her people are. That’s what I remember when my grandkids leave smudges on the fridge or scatter their toys everywhere. Those moments, as noisy and messy as they are, are the ones that make home truly magical.

Letting Kids Learn: Lessons from the Scarecrow

Oh, and the Scarecrow—he’s my favorite. He constantly doubted his intelligence but was always brimming with clever solutions. Watching him reminds me how essential it is to let kids figure things out on their own.

As a mom, I was quick to jump in and fix every problem (hello, “helicopter parenting”). But as a grandma, I’ve learned to step back. When my grandson’s tower of blocks collapses, I cheer him on to rebuild it himself. The Scarecrow taught me this: kids don’t need all the answers—they need the chance to discover them.

Parenting with Heart: The Tin Man’s Reminder

The Tin Man thought he lacked a heart, yet his actions were full of kindness and empathy. Parenting is a lot like that—it demands a big heart, but not in the Pinterest-perfect way we might imagine.

Some of my most heartfelt moments as a parent came during the “ugly cries”—like the time my kid lost it because their sandwich was cut “wrong.” The Tin Man reminds us that real parenting happens in the small, everyday acts of love—like comforting a meltdown or laughing over spilled milk. That’s where the heart of parenting truly lies.

Finding Bravery in Everyday Life: The Cowardly Lion’s Wisdom

The Cowardly Lion believed he was a coward, yet he showed courage over and over again. I think as parents, we feels like that. From the moment we hold our newborn, there’s fear—fear of messing up or not being enough. But we keep going, don’t we?

I remember the lump in my throat when I sent my child off to school for the first time. It was terrifying for me, but I did it. Parenting courage doesn’t mean you’re fearless—it means showing up, even when you’re scared. Just like the Lion, you already have the bravery you need. Trust yourself.

Trusting Your Instincts: Glinda the Good Witch Knows Best

Glinda’s advice to Dorothy—that she always had the power to go home—gets me every time. As parents, we often doubt ourselves, turning to books, blogs, or friends for advice. But deep down, we usually know what’s best for our kids.

There were so many times I second-guessed myself as a parent, wondering if I was doing things “right.” Looking back, the moments I trusted my gut were usually the ones that worked out best. Glinda’s wisdom is a gentle nudge to all of us: you already have what it takes. Trust yourself.

Facing the Wicked Witch: Tackling Parenting Fears

Every parent has a “Wicked Witch,” and may have even been called one. Maybe it’s the fear of failing, the pressure to be perfect, or the constant worry of not measuring up. Dorothy didn’t defeat her witch by running—she faced her head-on and found her strength in the process.

Over the years, I’ve had to face my own witches. Whether it was standing by a tough decision or reaching out for help, those moments taught me that growth comes from confronting fear. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.

Savoring the Journey: Lessons from the Yellow Brick Road

Dorothy and her friends thought the Yellow Brick Road would lead to all the answers. Instead, they found that the journey itself was the real treasure. Parenting is like that. We’re all on our own paths, striving to raise happy, kind kids.

The magic isn’t in reaching the “Emerald City” of perfect parenting. It’s in the bedtime snuggles, the belly laughs, and yes, even the tantrums that shape the journey. Those little moments? They’re what make it all worthwhile.

The Magic Lives On

My grandkids aren’t old enough—yet—for The Wizard of Oz. But when they are, it will become a cherished tradition. Watching Wicked has already brought a new twist to this timeless story, and I hope to add it to their tradition, too. Both versions remind me of a universal truth: every generation finds its own way to connect with these lessons.

Whether you watch the classic or the modern spin, the heart of the story stays the same. It’s about love, courage, and finding your way home. And as grandparents, isn’t that what we’re all trying to teach our kids and grandkids?

So, gather your family for a movie night. Whether you choose The Wizard of Oz or Wicked, you’ll uncover lessons to guide you on your parenting journey. And when the credits roll, take a moment to reflect—there really is no place like home.

Carlene Szostak

Carlene Szostak is a renowned speaker, educator, author, and consultant specializing in 2 genres: self-help and children's fiction.

As a children's book author, her rich stories are woven from the colorful tales and activities passed down by her father, each narrative a cherished gift of imagination and wisdom. The best-selling The Marshmallow Mystery. All the marshmallows have gone missing in this delicious book, leaving one little girl devastated. Jack, the little girl's beloved teddy bear, is determined to save the day by solving the sticky mystery.

Carlene lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys the three W's: weather, woods, and wine. She believes writing books can ignite change by shaping perspectives, inspiring action, and fostering empathy for generations.