As a pediatrician and a parent, I understand the complexities that come with raising children in today’s world. Recently, my daughter celebrated her third birthday, and with it came an avalanche of pink and all things princess—a sight that filled her with joy. She adores dressing up, twirling in tulle, and immersing herself in the world of fairy tales.
I shared a picture of her in a new princess outfit, complete with layers of tulle, and made a light-hearted comment about her obsession with singing “Let It Go.” That’s when I received an unexpected message from a friend, trying to reassure me that her princess phase was merely a temporary trend, as if I should feel embarrassed about her interests. Their remarks caught me off guard. Why should I worry? What’s wrong with her love for princesses?
I am fully aware of the criticisms surrounding princess culture—how it often portrays women in limiting roles, objectifies them, and reinforces outdated stereotypes. The excessive marketing directed at young girls is troubling, and I wholeheartedly agree that it can impact how they view themselves and their place in the world. However, I also recognize that my daughter’s interests are uniquely her own. She hasn’t been conditioned to like princesses because she’s a girl; she simply enjoys them.
She is drawn to princesses, tiaras, and tulle, but she also loves riding her bike, playing in the mud, and engaging in arts and crafts that can get quite messy. I haven’t imposed these interests on her; rather, her preferences are a reflection of her individuality. Whether her fascination with princesses lasts a season or becomes a lifelong passion, it’s not my role to dictate her identity.
It is essential for me, as her mother, to allow her to explore her interests without judgment. Feminism should be about empowering all girls, not just those who defy conventions. While I may wish for her to pursue various passions, what truly matters is that she finds joy and fulfillment in whatever she chooses. I want her to embrace her authentic self, even if that means wearing a tiara and belting out Disney songs all day long.
I’m learning to accept this princess phase wholeheartedly. When people refer to her as a princess while she’s dressed in her favorite outfit, she often corrects them with a serious expression. “I’m not a princess. I’m an Avery,” she insists. And that is exactly who I want her to be—an individual defined by her own choices and interests.
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Conclusion
In summary, embracing my daughter’s love for all things princess doesn’t diminish her individuality. Instead, it allows her to flourish as her authentic self.