Budgeting Princesses.

As I think back to our readings on princess culture, I can't help but wish they hadn't gone to such extremes. The people they referenced in the article, for the most part, were examples of the few, not the many. For example, take the women they referenced with princess-related shopping addictions. Sure, any of us may know someone who spends more than they should to look good, but not to the extent the women in this article did. It made me believe that the habits of these women go beyond just their desire to be beautiful and fashionable.

Growing up, I was definitely obsessed with Disney princesses. I was what I like to call "just spoiled enough"- my parents made sure I had a great childhood without giving me every little thing I wanted. As I grew up, my parents transitioned the financial responsibility over to me a little at a time. As a result, I understood the value of saving up for something. I've had a job since I was 15, and have always worked for the things I have.

When it comes down to it, I think our link to princess culture is more about learning the value of a dollar than anything else. God knows I would love to have the nicest of something, but I understand that I just can't afford it. The women in this article had more than just a desire for beauty; they were willing to get it at all costs, and I don't think they understand what that means. These women throw money away like candy wrappers, and having come from where I have, I believe there's no way in hell they were ever taught how to properly budget until it was too late.

Now I'm all for spoiling your kids and making them feel like the most special person on earth, but as we become parents, we have to remember that responsibility comes along with growing up. As the article says, it's the biggest compliment one can receive at age 3 to be called a princess, but if someone calls them a princess at age 15, well, that's code for brat. Instead of teaching our little princesses to stand there and look pretty, we should teach them to run a country (as cheesy as that sounds). After all, that a princess's REAL future, right?