As my daughter recently celebrated her third birthday, she was showered with an avalanche of pink and princess-themed gifts. There’s nothing that lights up her face quite like the sight of tulle and tiaras. She adores everything traditionally feminine, and I couldn’t be happier to see her enthusiasm.
I shared a cute snapshot of her twirling in her new princess dress, mentioning how she couldn’t stop singing “Let It Go.” That’s when I got an unexpected message. A friend felt the need to tell me that this princess phase was merely temporary, almost as if my daughter’s love for princesses warranted some kind of consolation. I was taken aback. What if her passion for princesses continues? What’s wrong with that?
The truth is, the world of princesses often comes with a hefty dose of critique. Princess culture can strip women of their agency, objectify them, and bolster negative stereotypes. It’s easy to find fault with the pervasive marketing aimed at young girls, and I get why many raise concerns. However, in my case, these criticisms don’t apply. I haven’t imposed a love for princesses on my daughter, nor will I dismiss her interests simply because they don’t align with my own feminist values.
Despite my efforts to limit her exposure to the commercial princess frenzy, she’s naturally drawn to it. Yet, she also enjoys bikes, mud, puzzles, and crafts that involve a bit too much glue. In her eyes, there’s no “should” about what she likes simply because she’s a girl.
She’s drawn to princesses, tiaras, and tulle because she’s her own unique individual. Whether this love for princesses is just a fleeting moment in her childhood or will blossom into a lifelong fandom, it’s not for me to decide. Perhaps she’ll even dream of a Disney-themed wedding! While it’s not my cup of tea, it’s essential for me to support her in being true to herself.
When it comes to raising girls, it’s crucial to allow them the freedom to pursue their own interests, even if they fall into traditional molds. Feminism should uplift every girl, not just those who challenge the status quo. I have my preferences for her future, but what truly matters is what brings her happiness and fulfillment. I want her to embrace who she is, whether that leads her to become an engineer or a professional Disney princess.
So, I’m choosing to embrace her love for princesses. If that means she wears a tiara and sings “Let It Go” all day, then so be it. Her interests are authentic and come from her own agency. When people call her a princess, she quickly clarifies, “I’m not a princess. I’m Julia.” And that’s exactly the person I want her to be.
In conclusion, allowing our children to explore their passions—no matter how conventional—can be empowering. For more insights into parenthood, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in understanding more about the journey of home insemination, visit this informative blog post. And for a reliable option in home insemination supplies, consider Cryobaby’s kits.