My little girl loves to be called princess, loves to dress up as a princess and just loves everything princess-shy and girly. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It seems as if more and more online, I reading more post as to why mothers do not want their daughters called princess or even playing princess. The notion that it makes them “weak” or in need of saving is one that I can’t seem to wrap my head around. I mean we are talking about children playing dress up right? The last time I checked, my daughter wasn’t out traipsing through the forest with seven little people behind her, nor was she singing with dishes in the kitchen.

The Princess Backlash

More than anything, I think the “Princess backlash” is stemming from people taking this just a little too seriously. You’re more than welcome to call or not call your daughter as you please, however, the tirades that I have read lately seem a bit over the top. Case in point, one writer noted that the universe doesn’t provide things for us at a whim,  therefore, the Princess title is ridiculous. Calling your daughter a nickname, will not automatically make birds come flocking to their fingers to help with housework, and if it does, can you please come stand in the kitchen and hum a merry tune so these dishes can be done? Nor does it mean if she cries her eyes out, will it lead to a fairy godmother showing up granting her every whim.

Also, there is the insinuation that it will make her vain? I tell my girls every day that they are beautiful, but I also tell my son that he is handsome, while also reminding them of how smart they are, kind, and how proud of them I am.  If building up your children’s self-esteem is the bad thing then I am guilty.

Princess doesn’t equate to passive

Those critical of the “princess” title seem to have one theme in common, and it’s their worry about the way these little girls will grow up to be viewed as.

Princesses are passive ornaments.

Wait..what? Says who? This particular author’s chief complaint was that princesses, don’t get to choose their husband’s and essentially you are perpetuating rape culture by doing so.  Calling our daughter princess doesn’t mean you are raising a weak, feeble minded, dainty beings, who is only good for marrying and spending money. Your daughter can dress like a princess, act like a princess and still be the fiercest physician, engineer, teacher, or even president to walk the face of this planet.

If we are so bent on ensuring that women can do and be anything, then there is absolutely no reason girls can’t be beautiful princesses and strong women at the same time.

Natasha Brown

Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.

www.themotherhustlerblog.com