Ok Branny, here's my take on the whole thing. First off is princessification even a word ...hmmm who knows. 2nd I agree that we don't want our girls to sit around waiting for a perfect life, but I believe all girls and all women are princess/queens. I grew up in the most unperfect home one could imagine and trust me I had to experience trauma and sadness at a very young age, but my grandfather had instilled in me that I am a princess and I am worth the world. That is what made me as strong as I am today. When my parents split up, it was that confidence that helped me through it. I didn't mope or throw my own little pity party. I kept my head up dusted off my tiara, and looked at all that I still had (and I was only 8). I still had both of my parents they just weren't together. I was still the smart, pretty (hey that's what my grandpa told me lol), and loving little girl. I was still a princess and that helped me so much. I actually learned a little bit from each of the "Princesses" that were big during my younger years. First there was Ariel who even though she may have been spoiled she was headstrong (yeah I bet you wish I'd never seen that movie hehe), then Jasmine taught me that being a strong independant woman was ok, and Belle taught us that being inteligent is one hell of an attribute for a princess. Of course I wish they would focus more on the strong female women portrayed in Disney's movies like Mulan and Pocahantas because they are wonderful examples for our daughters. I know my fairy tale isn't over yet but you better believe I'm going to make it have a happy ending. You know since I am a princess I can do that no matter what I gotta do even if it means going to school for 8 more years to get that high paying job and buy my castle (or charming house on the lake lol).

Now I may bitch and moan about a certain "prince charming" being a pain in the ass, but you better believe I'm not about to wallow in self pity over it. In fact he's been quite prince like lately so I can't bitch that much, but then again I did put a glass slipper up his ass to straighten him up. I want my daughter to know tht she doesn't have to pu tup with someone who isn't worthy of her love. If the guy's a loser kick him to the royal curb. Hell I'd much rather see my daughter being horribly selective with her men as opposed to the alarming sluttiness that has taken grip of so many young girls.

So overall I agree and disagree with what she says at the same time. I think it depends on the parent. My daughter is going to know that she is a princess and that while life isn't perfect she has the power to change that, that no one can take away what a wonderful person she is, and that she deserves a fairy tale ending even if she has to make that happen on her own. Then again I don't always spoil my daughter, I do give her what I can when I can but that's what we all do lol, and you better believe when she says "mommy I want a pony" I'll tell her there's a cute stuffed one at Wal Mart and cupcake that's all you're getting.

Well I wouldn't say the princesses did nothing. They were smart, well raised, articulate, sweet, kind hearted women. Cinderella and Snow White were good at cleaning too.

Do they need to run out and be a career woman to earn our respect? Do they need to wear a suit and work 9 - 5 in order to deserve a happy life?

Why not deserve the prince? We all deserve the best.

Now I agree that girls should not be spoiled, they should be taught the value of a dollar, work, values, etc. Mulan was very smart, clever. Sleeping Beauty was kind to animals.

I think some good messages come from Disney, and the rest of child rearing should come from the parents, Disney is entertainment after all. So it just needs to be put into perspective

My favorite female disney character is Meg from Hercules. She's tough. She's been hurt, she learns to love again.

Now that I think about it, my parents raised me the opposite of a princess, and I think I could have used a little worshiping and royal treatment, because I tend to get the frog not the prince. I wish someone had told me just once that I was worthy of the best. now I'm sad...



-- Edited by TinaLord68 at 12:33, 2007-03-21

You know a line I caught from yesterday's OLTL that actually kind of applies:

Michael (about John and Natalie's relationship): "She deserves the best John."

John then replies with one of his patented sarcastic funnies.


I think everyone should be entitled to the best. Not only from themselves but from the person they're with. But I think people just don't want to put in the effort any more. Oops, relationship is hard let me bail out.

But that being said, Tina has a point. It is the parents part to give them realistic impressions of life. And unfortunately we do have those "princess" types that want the 100k wedding, the big house, 2.5 kids, multiple cars, long vacations, etc and don't want to lift a finger to help. And unfortunately we have guys that are willing to let them have it.

Bottom line: Happiness can be found in a penny as much as it can be found in multi-million dollar bank account.

Abe Lincoln says we are as happy as we make up are minds to be.

there's a fine balance in raising your kids to have confidence and not to be completely spoiled
you have to balance discipline and love

you can't be your kid's best friends, you really have to be a parent

I hate seeing these spoiled kids today, being handed everything and then they get in debt by the time they're 19, and mom and dad bail them out
so I don't know, maybe my parents were right in trying to teach me a strong work ethic
and I know they did the best they knew how

parents today need to teach the confidence without the material things, inner strength, values, it's not about having the coolest cell phone, coach bag at age 12, or $300 Ipod...

Anyway, on this board we are all royalty!

I'm not a princess. I'm a QUEEN.