The Princess and the Playground

Yesterday, after a rather important doctor's appointment (yeah, we have a lot of those it seems), we stopped by Chick-Fil-A for free french fries!  Mmmm.  I love Chick-Fil-A, and free food is hard to resist!

After sharing some fries, a few nuggets, and Monkey's brownie, we headed off to the play area.  I love the Chick-Fil-A play area.  It's small, clean, and has toys that both of my boys can play on.  Actually, this was the first time Crackers had decided to venture onto it.  He loved it.

While supervising my boys I had the joy of overhearing a pair of princesses preparing for the ball.  What a treat.  I loved evesdropping as 2 sweet little princesses (both about 5 years old) found their make-up, beautiful dresses, ponies, unicorns, flying ponies, baby ponies, and more.  These girls were so in to their imaginary play that one could almost see the scene with them.  There was drama, as there should be when playing princess - one of the baby ponies and baby unicorns got loose and stuck somewhere. 

I loved watching and hearing them play.  It made me a little sad for them though.  See, these girls long to be princesses, and there is a likelihood that they never will be.  I know, I know - it's fun and healthy to play pretend when you're 5.  I see so many very little girls who are overly concerned about their appearances though - having the right dress and yes, even makeup - is fun play, but where do they begin to incorporate their play into what they know is real?  At some point these girls begin to believe that their worth comes from looking good. 

I probably played princess too (although, truthfully, we played more school).  My kids will play similair games.  I've got a challenge now - I have to help them see that they are beautiful from the inside, regardless of what the world says.  My children ALL need to know they are loved and valued simply for being themselves.

Monkey, Crackers - I love you guys!