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Why I Am Happy My Daughter Wants to Be Cinderella

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“I want to be Cinderella when I grow up,” said my older daughter after seeing the new Cinderella movie.

What little girl hasn’t wished to be Cinderella?

Of course, my girls and I viewed Disney’s live action Cinderella movie when it first opened.

No big surprise, my girls loved the movie. Plus, my girls love Disney in general.

Cinderella and the Girls

But who am I kidding?

I absolutely cherished the movie, too.

See I was transported back to my youthful adoration of the classic Cinderella. I was also reminded once again why this classic story of the beautiful heroine is epic in proportion.

Why you may ask?

Because it is still the greatest fairy tale love story of all time.

This current movie definitely did the love story angle justice. It was also downright charming. Plus, it included the right amount of glitz and glam.

The movie furthermore has its fair share of laughs. These laughs include Helena Bonham Carter as the quirky fairy godmother, who had all chuckling with her description of the glass slippers, as extremely comfortable (who knew?).

But it also had more serious, tear jerker moments. How? By having some key and notable losses for the princess and the prince, too.

Yet that isn’t the biggest strength, this Cinderella movie can be credited with. Rather, its moral and teachable life lessons helping to make Cinderella into a modern day role model for all girls, is it.

Why I am more than happy for my daughters to be more like #Cinderella

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Since most girls dream of being Cinderella, here is why I would be happy for my daughters to be more like her.

Three Important Lessons from Cinderella

Three Important Lessons from Cinderella for Girls:

1.  Be Courageous and Kind

First and foremost, Ella’s (Cinderella’s) mother taught her from the youngest of ages to “have courage and be kind”.

One of the greatest and most wonderful piece of advice mothers could bestow upon their daughters is t stand up for what they believe in. But also to be kind-hearted to all even in the worst of adversities, too.

Such is the case, with not only her heart of gold in her daily dealings with her evil stepmother and/or stepsisters. This is also evidenced during her memorable first meeting with the prince. It is here that she stood up to him to help keep safe the much sought after and hunted down stag.

See compassion and bravery are both central themes in this movie. And once again invaluable lessons for all young girls to aspire to be a bit more like Cinderella in this way.

2.  Be Positive, Not Negative

It also instructs young girls to see the world not as it might be. But also how it should and could be enhanced by their own doing.

This is the case with Cinderella trying to see past all that is wrong or negative in her own life. See this is especially evident with her evil stepmother and stepsisters mistreating her.

Still she can see the good/positive that exists in the world around her. How? By never getting down on her life even after the Wicked Stepmother banishes her to the attic. Or even when her stepsisters harshly renamed her Cinderella after she fell asleep and got dirty with the cinder ashes from the fire.

Moreover, this is also the case with her seeing inherently good in all creatures. How? In her unwavering support and loyalty to her rodent friends, including the famous Gus Gus.

What a great lesson for all girls to be positive, as well as to see past negativity on a daily basis to live life to the fullest just like Cinderella did.

3.  Be Proud of Yourself

Social equality is showcased, as well as gender (relationship) equality for girls.

See Cinderella is not only unashamed of her own social class, but also proud to be a woman.

Because of her self worth, she not only proposes to the prince. But also admits honestly and openly that she has “no parents, no dowery” and is just “an honest country girl who loves him”. Plus even asks him the question “Will you take me as I am?”.

See she isn’t embarrassed at all by who she is.

We can only hope that all girls be this secure and proud of themselves at all times, just as Cinderella was.

This current Cinderella movie is not only an entertaining, charming adaptation of the original classic fairy tale story. But a wonderfully, executed teachable resource.

See it is fraught with universal life lessons for this generation’s young girls aspiring to be more like Cinderella.  

Therefore, this mother happily approves of her daughter’s request to grow up to be like Cinderella.

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Janine says

      Nellie, Disney nailed it and hit it out of the park with this one! Seriously, my girls both haven’t stopped talking about it since we saw it on Saturday afternoon.

  3. Liza | @aMusingFoodie says

    I’m glad to hear that you’re not bothered by her skinny-minny waist. I saw a couple folks post about that right after seeing a premiere, and thought, “Really? Is it that bad/distracting?” Can’t wait to take my kids. 🙂

    • Janine says

      Liza, I guess after seeing Gone With the Wind and knowing that during that time period in history that they were corsets and bustles to suck it all in, that truly doesn’t bother me, as I know it was just the norm in that era. I just truly loved the empowering message that was driven home by the end of this classic movie and that made it all worth it to me. And hope you get to see Cinderella soon with your kids, too 😉

    • Janine says

      Meredith, a true delight and couldn’t wait to see it here. It totally didn’t disappoint! Hope you get to see it again soon, too 🙂 xoxo!!

  5. Andrea B. says

    I love these points you’ve highlighted. Great reminders that this is way more than just a “find your prince” fairytale!!

    Looking forward to taking my daughter to see the movie soon!

  6. Marianne says

    Thanks for this post. I haven’t watched it yet, but after reading this I’m looking forward to taking my girls to see it. xx

  7. Kathy Radigan says

    I loved Cinderella too!! And I’m the mom of a princess. That being said I do sometimes wish she was a bit more self reliant. I keep thinking she could have left her house and started a dress designing business with her friends the mice! But I can’t wait for the movie!!! Love your post!

    • Janine says

      Kathy, I love your thought here and that would have been something indeed! But still I loved the ending and hope you get to take your princess to see it soon, too 😉

  8. Diane Roark says

    Janine,

    We also loved this movie. You cannot go wrong with being Courageous and Kind. The world would be such a better place if everyone were courageous and kind. The story of Cinderella is also one of my favorite movie s ever. It teaches kids if they have patience and believe that one day things will change and then work hard, good things will happen. I get upset when people talk about how Disney princess movies send the message to girls that they need a man. To me, the man is just God blessing you for doing the right things. Just for thought!!
    Many blessings to you!
    Diane

    • Janine says

      Diane, you said a mouthful here and after I wrote this Kevin mentioned he read an article saying the exact opposite about Cinderella needing a man, too. So, I truly just glad I shared my take away and really just so enjoy this new movie on an old classic 😉

  9. Nicolette says

    Cinderella was my favorite childhood movie, the qualities you mentioned are great. But as a Mom, I don’t like the movie/storyline at all. There is no magic wand in life, there is no real prince charming that swoops in and makes like wonderful (yes you can have a great husband but he doesn’t have a magic wand either). There aren’t cute little mice who do the dishes or clean up after everyone. While I want to protect my daughter’s innocence, (yes it is just a movie), at some point I have to teach her to be independent, self-reliant and capable of not just surviving life, but being able to thrive as well.

    • Janine says

      Nicolette, I am truly with you on the part about wanting both my girls to know that they are self-reliant and don’t need a man necessarily. Without giving away the ending here (but think most do know the overall ending), I will say I loved how this Cinderella pretty much told the Prince that he had to accept her for who she is and if not she was fine on her own in essence. But yes, I do very much agree that woman (my girls included) don’t need a man by any means to complete themselves by any means.

  10. Bill says

    Bev and I have four kids and I swear, I don’t think we’ll ever have grandkids…so I’ll live vicariously through you and this wonderful blog.

    Happy Monday Janine!

  11. Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says

    Those are all really great life lessons. I would love to take Madison to see the film but she’s a bit too young so I’ll have to go on my own. While I wouldn’t mind her being a princess, I personally won’t want her going through what Cinderella went through before she became one. 🙂

    • Janine says

      Amanda, I am in agreement on what Cinderella did go through to get to her fairy tale happy ending, but just loved how she did persevere to get all the good and happiness she deserved in the end! 😉

  12. Jhanis says

    Wasn’t really planning on watching this movie but after reading this, my daughter and I just might! 🙂

  13. Carrie Groneman says

    Wonderful post Janine, and I look forward to seeing this movie. I love to read your insight and ideas on how Cinderella; very refreshing. Thank you. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow

  14. Lauren Baker Cormier says

    Love this! I want to go see it!! My kids have never been to the theater before, but I’d love to take them. I think my boys would do well, but I’m not sure my soon to be 3 year old would sit through the whole thing.

  16. Andrea Bates says

    We can’t wait to see this – I’ve heard mixed reviews as far as what kids have thought but I’m glad yours enjoyed it!!

  19. Jessica Ullrich says

    My girls are too young to sit through a movie, but I might go see this one on my own! 🙂

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      Jessica, I remember that age well and actually just told my neighbor earlier this morning at the bus stop that I was ever so glad to have my girls as the best excuse to go see this movie. Seriously, they wanted to see it and so did I. So win-win here! But hope you can get to see Cinderella soon, too 😉

  22. Kristen Miller Hewitt says

    I loved it too! Iam writing about it Wednesday…such an empowering movie for kids!

  23. lisacng @ expandng.com says

    Very good lessons you picked up from the movie! Looks like a good movie to see as a family. I hope that our girls will also grow up strong, compassionate, and proud of who they are.

  24. Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says

    I’m going to take the girls this coming Sunday, with a friend and her daughters! The Cinderella story is my favorite fairy tale, and I absolutely love, love, love the “Ever After” adaptation. Can’t wait to watch this movie as well! Fun fact: the “glass slipper” is actually a translation error from the French language. It’s supposed to be a slipper made of squirrel leather 🙂

    • Janine says

      Stephanie, I didn’t know that and definitely taught me something new here today! Hope you enjoy seeing it this upcoming weekend now! 😉

  25. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

    Lovely!

    I often hear/read people who slam Disney princesses and princess movies but I think there are some great things in them. Like you shared here, Cinderella has some really admirable characteristics.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

    • Janine says

      So happy to share and I know Jennifer really don’t understand why people have to slam Disney movies, because when you do dig deeper, you do find some great lessons to be learned for all. Have a great day now, too! 🙂 xoxo

  26. Jill Ginsberg says

    Thank you for pointing out some of the good points to classic princess stories, such as Cinderella. It’s easy to dismiss them, sometimes, since they certainly have their faults, too. But you’re right, there’s a lot of good to be taken from them, as well, and shared with our daughters.

  27. Cynthia says

    Cindarelly- cindarelly- all I hear is Cindarelly…
    Hehe…having a name like Cyndi, Cindarella is one of my many names, lol.
    Haven’t seen the movie, but the story is and always will be one of my favorites. 😀
    And yes, you can learn so many lessons for sure. Hope your girls are going great. And second day in a row for a comment! Woohoo!
    That and I need a reprieve from my own life right now: the house is on the market and I’m finishing up my job and gearing up to start the new one. WHEW! Writing is saving my sanity. LOL

  28. Kristen says

    We loved it too – but it was so empowering wasn’t it? And so noble of the prince to let himself be saved as well…I am shocked people hated this move because the lead was skinny! We need to praise the positive messages within the story….

    • Janine says

      Kristen, I seriously couldn’t agree more and truly hope more will indeed praise this movie for all the positive messages it does send to our young girls 😉

  29. Kim says

    I probably won’t see the new movie since my boys could care less but I love the lessons learned from Cinderella – all good and something we should all live by.

  30. Sinea says

    Janine, you are right on target. Our girls are looking for the right role models. Cinderella was a great one – even though she isn’t real. We can all strive to be more like her (and have her fairytale wardrobe too?) If they’d sing and clean, I’d take the singing mice from the original animated movie too! Plus, I liked her gown the best of all. ♥

  31. Caryn says

    Wow. Honestly, with a six year old son, I hadn’t thought about going to see the movie. But now after reading your review, I can’t wait to relive my childhood memories of wanting to go to the big ball. I’m so happy to hear that they gave this made this princess a real day-to-day role-model giving us mothers many teaching moments for kids.

    • Janine says

      Caryn, I truly do hope you get to see Cinderella soon and I can’t say enough how much I love that this movie did give way to some great lessons for our kids.

  32. Tamara says

    Scarlet and I really loved it! And I really did love the romantic aspect of it because he falls for her in the forest – messy hair, dirty face, but he falls for her beautiful heart. And she falls for his. It’s so different from the cartoon which I thought was mostly about looks, but who knows. I’m pretty enamored with all things Disney – who am I kidding?

  33. Elaine A. says

    Oh, I just adored it too! From the cinematography to the message it was all wonderful. And I am not a huge fan of the animated version so that says a lot. Great recap of how great of a movie it is. 🙂

  34. Gingi says

    This post makes me happy! This big trend right now is to hate on Disney fairy tales and demonize the concept of happily ever after that makes little girls swoon.. it’s like, COME ON. Let a little girl dream! hehe.. great post my friend! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    • Janine says

      Gingi, thank you and I know I am not sure why people have such an issue with Disney fairy tales. Truly doesn’t make sense to me.

  35. Jen says

    My kids loved the movie and I couldn’t agree more on the life lessons. All good ones that I would be more than happy my children practiced in their own lives.

  37. Melissa Charles says

    Mt 8yo has been begging to see it. I think I know what we’ll do this weekend…

  38. Allie @ The Latchkey Mom says

    This was great Janine. I agree with you. I took the kids to Cinderella this weekend and we loved it. I was so glad that they kept the heart of the story. I still think there’s a place for fairy tales in this world! Ad of course, courage and kindness.

  41. Bev says

    I was listening to them talk about the movie on NPR yesterday and heard mixed reviews, but it does like this version of Cindarella is a very positive role model for young girls. Although Eve is still too young to watch it, I do look forward to seeing it with her one day!

    • Janine says

      I know I have heard the other side to this coin about Cinderella and truly sad, because I do think the story and this current movie have some great lessons to be learned for our kids, Bev.

  42. Sharon Greenthal says

    I have always loved Cinderella. Little girls should be allowed to want to be whatever they want!

  43. Sarah Nenni Daher says

    Oh, I wish my 3 year old was old enough to see it because it sounds like so much fun. I agree wholeheartedly in that the messages this version teaches are in line with those we want to stress with our daughter. I’m over-the-moon happy about the ending you described (Ella taking charge) and I can’t wait to see it.

    I saw a lot of ‘hating’ going on with regards to this movie, so I’m glad you wrote this to provide balance.

    • Janine says

      Sarah, I just couldn’t help, but write this right after we saw the movie on Saturday, because as a mom to two girls, I was ever so happy to see that positive lessons that could be ascertained from this version of the classic story. 😉

  45. Dana says

    No interest in seeing the movie from anyone in my family, but it’s good to hear that this version seems to be a bit less “damsel in distress” than the animated version. Glad your girls liked it, Janine!

    • Janine says

      Thanks Dana and I know someday my girls won’t have the care to see Cinderella anymore, but right now I was glad they still did! 😉

  46. Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says

    Well, Janine, great minds of princess moms think alike! I wrote a very similar post today!
    There are plenty of arguments out there for why the movie is a bad idea, but for the moment, I’m completely OK with the message my Daughter is going to take from it. The other stuff can wait for another day.
    We found the movie delightful – even my Husband. He particularly enjoyed that the movie was positive and bright. He thought it was a nice contrast to how dark American cinema has become.

    • Janine says

      Lisa, so did my husband and he actually couldn’t stop talking about it either on Saturday night after we saw it. Heading to read your take now, as well 😉

  47. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    I always loved the story of Cinderella. I heard such great things about this movie.

  48. Crystal says

    Love this post! And yes, I would be fine with my daughter wanting to be Cinderella. So much better than aspiring to be Miley Cyrus or Iggy Azalea. 🙂

  49. Rea says

    I totally love Cinderella until now!! You pointed oput really great lessons from Cinderella. They’re very simple yet true and after all, those are exactly just what the world needs to be happier! 🙂

  50. Katie @ Pick Any Two says

    I really enjoyed reading your perspective on this! I was never a Cinderella or princess fan myself, not even as a little girl, but I do see how the lessons of the story go FAR beyond being beautiful, snagging a prince, etc. We love Cinderella for the beauty that’s INSIDE of her.

  52. Tracie says

    I’m so happy to hear that y’all enjoyed the movie. We haven’t seen it yet. The biggest thing I notice in the commercials is how beautiful and vibrant it is.

    I love the lessons you were able to find in the story as well. It is great to be able to point to things like that as teachable moments for our girls.

    • Janine says

      Tracie, I hope you and Katrina get to see Cinderella very soon now. You are so right about how the utilized the colors in this movie as I was seriously impressed. As for the lessons, I truly was so happy that I could find them here. 😉

  55. Joy McElroy says

    Beautiful, Confessions of A Mommyaholic! We should all strive for the attributes you mention- girls and boys, men and women! 🙂 Love it.

  56. LINDSAY KLEIN says

    AWWW I wanted to be snow white when I was a kid, even changed my name and that was Disney then!!!! Disney has come so far and I love the messages now in the films:) Congrats on raising a positive and kind little lady! xo

  57. Aunt Gloria says

    I will put this on my list of movies to see. It has been disconcerting at times that little girls still want to be “princess” and glad to hear this movie gives role models and good examples of how to live through adversity and keep positive and true to yourself. The Prince may or may not be there for all of us, but at least we can be true to ourselves. Good for Disney! See you soon. xxoo

  58. The Pinterested Parent says

    I really want to see this. It looks like a great take on the fairy tale & after hearing this I want to see it more than ever. These are great characteristics for our daughters to try to emulate. Sure the gown is pretty & the glass slippers are great, but Cinderella is all of these things you have listed. That is what will make our little princesses great.

  59. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    I haven’t seen it — almost makes me wish I had little ones again. My daughter loves going with our niece to movies like this…my niece loves everything princess! I love the life lessons too…what parent wouldn’t want those qualities for their daughters?!

  60. Galit Breen says

    I’m 100% with you! I took my kids this weekend and I couldn’t have loved it more! Have courage, be kind. That’s so what it’s all about!

  61. Nikki Frank-Hamilton says

    Ha! I may be 47 but I still want to be Cinderella when I grow up! My daughter is 15 but Cinderella is her favorite princess, we will have to see this one together. I love how you emphasized all of the good qualities that Cinderella possessed. Maybe I am not cut out to be Cinderella, I would’ve punched a step-mother or sister in the nose a few times growing up!

  62. Rose says

    I haven’t seen it yet, but I am looking forward to it after reading this. I have two boys and a girl and I think they will all enjoy it. It sounds like there are good lessons for all.

  64. Chris Carter says

    AW!!! Those are SUCH GREAT reasons why you would want your girls to be like Cinderella!! I want my girl to be the same…

    I think I need to take mine to go see the movie now. 🙂

  66. Catherine Gacad says

    what a great post, janine. it’s been so long since i saw the cartoon, but i have seen ads for this movie and can’t wait to see it! cinderella is a beautiful person and i agree, who wouldn’t want their daughter to role model how confident, courageous and kind she is.

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