I recently received a package from Mattel as part of a campaign called “Dads Who Play Barbie.” I’m a father of two girls: my oldest, Lily, is nearly 8, and my youngest, Mia, is almost 3. Historically, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Barbie—not only because of the unrealistic beauty standards she represents but also due to the lack of depth in the stories and media surrounding her. As a dad, I’ve come to realize that it’s nearly impossible to shield my daughters from the influence of Barbie and Disney Princesses.
When Lily saw me bring home a large, pink box adorned with Barbie’s name, she could hardly contain her excitement. I called Mia into the room, and they eagerly opened it together. Inside were three dolls. One was the classic Barbie: blonde, thin, and curvaceous, sporting a mermaid tail. The other two were quite different. One was a petite woman of color dressed in a doctor’s coat, labeled as a physician. The other was a short doll with vibrant blue hair, defined hips, and labeled as “curvy.”
This new line from Mattel signifies a shift toward more diverse representations in Barbie dolls, showcasing various races, body types, and careers. I felt a wave of relief seeing this change. However, what struck me most was my daughters’ reactions.
Lily immediately reached for the traditional Barbie with long hair and seemed uninterested in the other two dolls. This moment gave me pause. Despite my efforts to instill values of acceptance and celebration of diversity, I worried about the impact of society’s messages on her self-image and perceptions of beauty.
In contrast, Mia had no hesitation. She eagerly grabbed the other two dolls, tore open their packaging, and immersed herself in play. In that instant, I felt a mix of hope for one daughter and concern for the other.
I’m aware that some may view my concerns as an overreaction, and perhaps they are. Parenthood often amplifies our anxieties. I simply want my daughters to feel empowered to pursue their dreams—be it as scientists, artists, or stay-at-home mothers. I want them to appreciate the beauty in diversity and feel confident in their own identities. However, witnessing Lily gravitate toward the stereotypical Barbie made me fear that the seeds of comparison had already been sown.
But then something wonderful happened. As Lily played with her Barbie on the couch, and Mia engaged with her two dolls nearby, they eventually started to play together. This rare moment was heartening, leading me to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, things are changing for the better.
Now, I don’t think this single experience will radically alter their views on body image or self-worth. It’s a complex issue influenced by many factors. However, seeing my daughters happily interacting with a trio of diverse dolls filled me with hope that progress is being made.
For more insights on parenting and self-acceptance, check out this related post on our blog. You can also find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination at the CDC’s excellent resource. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive kit, check out this authority on the topic.
In summary, while the journey to raise confident, open-minded daughters is ongoing, moments like this remind me that change is possible, and I’m optimistic about the future.