Thanks to the new Beauty and the Beast movie, we’re seeing lots of chatter about princess culture and whether it’s good for our kids. So, on this new episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we tackle this hot button issue, and whether the whole Disney princess culture is healthy or harmful. We tap into research, books, and yes, our own parenting experience as we discuss how princess culture has evolved and how it affects kids.
Listen right now, and then make sure you subscribe to Spawned on iTunes so you never miss an episode!
Links from Spawned Episode 69
– Here’s Kristen’s review of Beauty and the Beast.
– Cinderella Ate My Daughter, a great book on princess culture.
– Liz’s post from way back about princess culture. Great read!
– Here’s a piece against princess culture in the Washington Post by Rebecca Haines
– Study mentioned in a Philly.com article about princess culture.
– We’ve featured lots of anti-princess, strong girl books on our site, like Princess and the Pony (image top).
Our Cool Picks of the Week
Kristen: You have to read the reviews of those Clear Knee Mom Jeans
Liz: Five-Star Roundup, a wonderfully-curated blog post round-up.
I don’t know if Princess culture is harmful or not, but I do know that my daughter started making the big bucks portraying a Princess for Princess Parties of the Rockies. She received $50 per party + tips, which often were awesome. She sang and danced as Elsa, Anna, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and many more, much to the delight of little girls everywhere. As an aerospace engineer, I would have MUCH preferred to see her fight with a light saber as Princess Leia, or use a bow and arrow as Katniss, but the kids loved her as the traditional princess, and she loved the kids!
Best story: As Rupunzel, she had each little kid come up and sing his/her favorite song. One little girl sang a Justin Beiber song. My daughter said, “Oh, Justin Beiber, I love him!” to which the little girls said, “NO! You’re only supposed to love Flynn!”
I just want to say “YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING” I love the podcast and I look forward to hearing all the latest and greatest in the mommy world. Keep up the great job.
Brittany, you made our day! Thank you so much!
I think princess culture is okay, but it princesses should not be depicted as role models. Girls should be encouraged to express their own individuality, and be her own kind of princess.