I sat a discussion recently about little girls who become 'obsessed' with a popular brand of princesses. I stayed out of it because I don't have experience with that..... well, I didn't at the time. I can now officially say that I do.
My daughter came home one day and I think that she can rattle off ten princesses by seeing their picture and she hasn't even seen their movies. I'll admit that I haven't seen many princess movies in the last couple of decades, so I'm a bit rusty on their stories and their messages.
I caught myself wondering what lessons, if any, is she going to learn from the ones that she does watch? Is she going to hop on the bandwagon of unrealistic expecting for relationships, work and how to get things in life?? Or rather is she going to see the princesses who are feisty (even though sweet as pie) who are willing to negotiate and fight for what they want??
I think that much of it can be a matter of parenting. There will always be times of unrealistic expectations. If we teach our kids young that they need to stand up for themselves and work hard to get what they want in life, then they can feel like they have a royal life.
Let's face it - the chances are slim that we will become true royalty in our life time. That is not to say that we won't be someone's princess (or queen) at some point in the future. It's all in the eye of the beholder. It is treating others well first that will elevate how we are perceived after all.
I have no problem with her wanting to be a princess. Her view of a princess is often someone who helps others, dresses up, and is a hard worker. If that continues, I hope she aspires to be a princess for the rest of her life.
Typed on my phone. Sorry if there are typos.
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