I have a 6-year-old boy so the movie "Cars" has been a big hit in our house. He saw the movie in the theater and we have all watched it several times since it came out on DVD. I have come full circle in my appreciation of the movie. The first time I wanted to see it because he had enjoyed it so much. Then repeated viewings got on my nerves. However now I have come to appreciate the important life lessons my son -- and I -- can learn from this family-friendly movie. Even if you do not have a child who wants to see the movie, I suggest you check it soon to see what you can take away from the experience. The single most important lesson that we can take away from "Cars" is the importance of teamwork. The main character learns an important lesson that is easily understood by children that no one can succeed alone. Lightning McQueen learns that not only do we need friends in our times of need but that we gain from helping others as well. By the end of the movie, he fully appreciates the value of friendship in living a happier and more fulfilled life. We can all benefit from learning how to be a good friend. When the movie opens, Lightning McQueen is a winner and he considers winning the most important (if not the only important) focus of his life. Obviously, this holds true for much of what our society and culture teaches children (directly and indirectly) when we know as mature adults that winning is not everything. Lightning learns that there are many things more wonderful in life than winning. By the end of the movie, while he still wants to be a winner he is a much happier person because he has other ways to measure himself a success. Finally, "Cars" teaches us that doing the right thing can be rewarding. This encompasses lessons that Lightning learning including completing a job well done and helping others. In the end, his decisions to do the right thing rather than focusing on winning at all costs turns out to be far more rewarding. While I am the first to admit that most of us need to mitigate the impact of media and popular culture on our children, I think it is important to celebrate the movies and television shows that have a positive effect. The movie "Cars" is a positive influence on children because it teaches three important life lessons including working together, winning is not everything, and being a good person can be rewarding.