Upcoming: Mysterious disapearance of the Little Mermaid
The other day, after school, Avery confided to me “Oliver doesn’t really talk to me much” with this kind of disappointed look. She’s been talking about Oliver a lot lately. Then yesterday, she had a new outfit and said “Oliver will be surprised”. Do preschoolers have crushes?! After school, I asked her if he told her he liked her new dress? She said “boys don’t talk like that, mom. He just looked and was surprised.”
When I watched Little Mermaid again wiht her that afternoon (her latest favorite), we came upon the scene where Prince Eric sees Ariel dressed up for the first time and stares at her, instantly in love, and as Avery put it “surprised”. Is she somehow picking up from this movie that she’s supposed to be impressing boys with how she looks?? Or am I imagining things?
Anyway, I’ve resolved to emphasize her smarts vs. looks and take a break from the princess stuff. Any suggestions on movies and books that aren’t all about girls desperately trying to get their prince charming?!
Let me know if you find some! M was never really into princesses and definately not the romantic parts. When Avery is a little older, check out the American girl movies. I know they are over merchandized, but the movies really promote the strength of girls and what they can do to make a difference. No romances
About the preschool crushes. I think that may happen to a very innocent extent. I noticed it at my kids pre-school school. Certain boys (usually quiet, shy) were almost always favored by the girls. It was very interesting.
Posted 11 months, 1 week agoInteresting observation Mary. Franki is into princess stuff as well and has made comments about wanting to “wear something beautiful”. She gets a lot of attention in public – must be her curly hair or something – and I often want to say back “yea, and she’s smart too!!!” We watched the new Tinkerbell movie on Disney and I’d recommend that. It’s about a girl trying to figure out what she would be good at doing and the emphasis is on her abilities and uniqueness as a fairy and has nothing to do with romance or prince charming. I was pleasantly surprised for a Disney movie. Also, Jamie Lee Curtis writes children’s books – they are smart and funny. I can’t think of any of the titles but you could Goggle her and probably find the titles.
Posted 11 months, 1 week agovery interesting indeed. see you soon!
Posted 11 months, 1 week agoI have some suggestions!
Spirited Away — one of my favorite Japanese animated movies, and maybe a little too old for Avery (although on second thought, given Avery’s intelligence, probably not), this story features Chihiro, a very spunky and determined girl who uses her bravery, brains, and athleticism to succeed. It’s a bit long, but at Avery’s age she could probably handle it or maybe watch it in two parts. If not, try again when she turns 4 and I’m sure she’ll love it.
Powerpuff Girls — don’t be fooled by their name, these heroic girls rely on their strength rather than their sex appeal. I’d recommend the TV series over the movie, though.
Lilo & Stitch — the main character (Lilo) is not given the ridiculous Barbie-esque proportions that most Disney females leads are given, and she has a great independent spirit.
By the way — speaking of Oliver… yesterday I took Avery across the street to meet our little foster kitten. I introduced him and said his name was “Ollie”, which was short for Oliver. She lit up and said enthusiastically, “I have a friend in school named Oliver, too!”. It was so cute, even more so now that I know who Oliver is.
Posted 11 months, 1 week agoIn the same spirit as “Spirited Away”, the studio who made that film made two others that are far more palatable for young audiences: Kiki’s Delivery Service, and my absolute FAVORITE, My Neighbor Totoro (that might be OUR Neighbor Totoro…). Both are gentle little films, and not only do they not spend their time chasing boys, but also, the adults in the film are not viewed as obstacles to fun and happiness. Little Mermaid bothers me on so many levels. As a mother, as a feminist, etc.
Posted 11 months, 1 week agothanks so much for the comments and suggestions!
Posted 11 months, 1 week ago