I bought outfits for Luke and Emma at a local consignment store (no need to spend a lot of money on something they'll wear only once!) Getting Luke into his little suit took a lot of persuading. Greg had to explain that, if Luke wanted to join us, he had to wear a suit and bowtie just like all the other guys. Emma, on the other hand, couldn't wait to put on her new dress and fancy shoes. After all, it made her look like a PRINCESS.
Before having a girl, I heard about the "Princess Syndrome." I just didn't know it would hit Emma by the time she was 2. Her favorite Christmas gift was a little locker full of Disney Princess dresses and high-heeled shoes. She likes to change into different dresses about six times a day. I even mentioned how great Disney has "brainwashed" my little girl to Bob Iger, the Chairman/CEO of Disney, at the fall dedication of our new WPVI building. He smiled, and told me Emma would probably enjoy the new "Princess and the Frog."
She did.
But, as a well-educated working mom, I can't help but question: are those pretty princesses sending my daughter the wrong message?
Experts say the "Princess Syndrome" targets a normal stage of child development. By age 3, children are beginning to define themselves as a certain gender. At the same time, they are engrossed in fantasy play. While, Luke wants to be Spiderman, Emma is Aurora (or Ariel, Cinderella, or Snow White.) As much as I love to see Emma dressed up and looking pretty, I don't want her to think looks is all that matters.
I'm trying to follow my pediatrician's advice: everything in moderation. Emma learned quickly that riding a bike is pretty difficult in a dress and high heels. So I've encouraged her to put the princess dresses away for sports and arts and crafts time (wouldn't want to get paint on your dress!) I also try to point out the other positive traits in princesses: trustworthiness, intelligence, compassion.
When Emma asks me: "Do I look pretty?" I usually answer, "Yes, but you are also smart and kind, and that's more important than being pretty."
Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.
