When I first discovered I was expecting a girl, I made several promises to myself. Chief among them was a commitment to dress her in a wardrobe that featured as few pink items as possible. I envisioned her room brimming with gender-neutral toys like building blocks, train sets, and puzzles. I was determined never to label her as “pretty,” fearing it would suggest that her value lay solely in her appearance. And above all, I vowed never to call her a princess. Yuck.
Fast forward to today, and guess what? I’ve broken every single one of those promises—especially the last one. The term “princess” has become somewhat vilified, conjuring images of spoiled behavior, tantrums, and subservience for some, while for others, it suggests a lack of agency and independence. Despite this, I call my daughter “princess” daily. What on earth am I thinking?
Let’s be real: toy companies, movies, and the other little girls my daughter plays with have effortlessly unraveled my careful intentions, much like Rapunzel’s hair in a fairy tale. Surrounded by all things royal, my daughter has developed an undeniable love for the concept of being a princess. To her, it means wearing fluffy dresses, frolicking with animals, and ruling from a castle—an image that brings her joy and makes her feel special. When I call her princess, it’s akin to telling her how much I love her.
But isn’t it a bit unfair to let her believe she’s a princess? Doesn’t that risk creating entitlement? Not at all. We’re not fostering arrogance or reinforcing antiquated ideals. We’re having fun! In her eyes, she is the beloved princess of our little family kingdom, and we even held a coronation ceremony to celebrate her status.
Of course, this princess phase won’t last forever. I doubt she’ll show up to college orientation clad in a tiara. By then, she’ll likely have figured out that she’s not a member of an actual monarchy. And if she does decide to strut onto campus dressed like Princess Aurora with a squirrel in tow, who are we to judge? Let her embrace her quirks and enjoy her fantasy if it brings her happiness.
At five years old, she may not grasp the difference between her idea of a princess and the reality of what a princess might be. I don’t feel the need to shatter her charming fantasy just to maintain my feminist credentials. Recently, she said she didn’t want to work when she grows up because, “I want to take care of my babies myself.” Before I could respond, her brother chimed in, advocating for her to pursue education and financial independence. Her retort? “It’s my choice. You can’t decide for me.” So, she’s already on the path to feminism!
We don’t just call her “princess,” though. Other affectionate nicknames include pooky, monkey, and sweetheart. In fact, “princess” may not even be her top pick (just kidding, it totally is). We also highlight the qualities we treasure most in her—her kindness, creativity, resilience, and intelligence. These are the traits that truly make her our princess.
For more information on pregnancy and parenting, you can check out this excellent resource: Healthline. And if you’re interested in learning about home insemination options, you might find this article and this kit particularly useful.
In summary, calling my daughter a princess is a term of endearment that fosters her self-esteem and creativity. It’s not about perpetuating outdated ideals; it’s about celebrating her uniqueness and the joy she brings to our lives.
Keyphrase: calling my daughter a princess
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