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AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. NOW, DID THEY?
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June 4, 2019AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. NOW, DID THEY?
With great excitement I bought my daughter a story book, to read to her at night. It was pink and filled with princesses.
We wanted our little girl to indulge in a few pretty stories of a world that did not exist. The idea, of buying a ‘Princess’ story book for our little Princess, was enthralling. One was Belle, one was named Cinderella, one was Snow White and one was Sleeping Beauty. Haven’t most of us grown up wanting to be like these beauties? And, like we wanted to be princesses then, our daughters, too, want to be princesses now, don’t they? Nostalgia set in while I was at the library.
But when I got back home, I realized I no more had qualms of being a Princess myself. Nowadays, I just think, act and breathe like a mother. So, one night while reading one of the stories, it was no surprise that it struck a chord when I suddenly realized that all the princesses, despite their different endearing tales, ended up kissing a prince in order to live happily ever after. All of a sudden, I wanted to throw the book away.
Was that what I wanted my girl to learn? Was finding a Prince supposed to be the ultimate goal of her life? Would she find happiness only once a man fell in love with her? Surely, we have to appreciate the fact that these stories were made child friendly, from the original adult stories that had horrifying endings, but why let our girls grow up thinking that they needed a man to accept and love them in order to be happy? What happens after that?
I was on a mission to give away all the books which stressed on soft and fragile girls waiting for their princes to sweep them off their feet. I did not want to explain to my daughter why the girls were excited to meet boys. I kept the ones where romance wasn’t stressed on, like Hansel and Gretel, Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood, The Big Pancake, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Three Little Pigs and a few more. Barbie had some nice books where the girls were tough and had a happy ending by being strong, brave or magical. Then there came books like Rebel Girls and the like which highlighted real ambitious women who made a difference. Finally, I was content with my daughter’s mini library.
Personally, I think if we want to see a change, we have to start being the change instead of blindly following our ancestor’s way of thinking or doing things. Let us start teaching our daughters to live happily ever after, irrespective of whether they find their Prince Charming or not. Let us teach them to stand up for what they believe in. Let us also teach our sons that they don’t have to marry just to have someone take care of them. Let’s show them how to take care of themselves, too. Let’s teach our kids to dream big, respect others, set goals for themselves and take action!
What is your take on the Princess stories? Do you agree with me or is there another way of looking at the stories on vulnerable women. Do give me your feedback on this article in the comments below.
#LetsBlogwithPri is a Blog Train hosted by Prisha Lalwani, Author at Mummasaurus. I wholeheartedly thank Disha Mehrotra, Author at Life My Way, for introducing me in her blog about loving yourself unconditionally. Also, I would like to introduce Sweta Kachhap, Author at Cloud and Sunshine. Do read her review on a book for children.
Hosted By :Prisha Lalwani Mummasaurus.com IG: @mummasaurus1 FB: /mummasaurus1
20 Comments
My niece loves Cinderella. But I’m glad that at a tender age of 4 she thinks that being a Princess is enough for her, she wouldn’t wait for a Prince. I think stories should be a part of their lives but they should be made aware of the reality as well. I liked your article for this very reason!
I feel the message you are so explicit about in you blog, and I agree with you too. That is a very strong message and I think it needs to reach to maximum readers and make some kind of impact. And not just girls, anyone’s happiness shouldn’t be depended on someone else, we should learn and teach the next generation living happily after.
Thank you for understanding Prakhar.
It is very important for kids to understand the difference between dreams and reality. And this is the duty of a parent to gradually make the shift from a dream word to the real world.
That is so true, girls need to learn to do what they want and be strong, not wait for their princes. Be happy now should be the way of life.
not even started reading to girls as they tore books once tried tough its good to make them independent and yes learning start from the story we read…thanks for sharing this Cindy.
Oh my daughter loves reading… till now at least… i was an avid reader in my younger days too! Not that I’m old now…
Oh yeah I definitely want to instill the princess part in my daughter but without her having the need to find a prince to complete her
Thanks for understanding…
I agree with you on teaching the girls to be the source of their own happiness. But, I would still like them to believe in happy endings that the fairy tales show. As they grow up they will learn to differentiate reality from fairy tales.
Thanks for your feedback dear. I’m not against happy endings. Just waiting for the prince is what I’m trying to delay for now. 😄
Yes they can be their own princesses but waiting for a price is just a choice; Princesses can have powers too👍🏻
Thanks dear
I certainly agree with you on some points, while on some I beg to differ. These classic tales with princes and princesses and happy endings is definitely not just what our children need today but yes they are also a reminder that happy endings is what we should look for. If we read them just stories where there’s no happy endings wouldn’t they grow up to believe just that. So it comes to is parents how we present these stories to our kids to suit our child’s need and behaviour. They certainly need not depend on some prince charming to rescue them but also learn to help out a prince charming in need. 🤗 Lovely write up !
Thanks dear. That’s what I was saying. Happy ending no matter what. Not specifically only when u meet a man.
Great read dear. You’re absolutely right, we have to teach our girls most especially to feel great about themselves on the inside. If not they would grow up having low self esteem and I don’t think any parent want that for their child.
Self esteem and strength. Thanks for reading dear.
Amazing and beautiful post. I love to readclassic tales with princes and princesses and their happy endings .
Definitely all the girls to feel as princesses and but waiting for their best prince charming is a choice. Great thoughts.
Reality anyway hits us at some point in time.. but it’s ok for all the girls to feel as princesses 😊😊
I didn’t mind the princess part but waiting for the prince is what got me thinking… 😬