11th April 2024
Some time ago, I overheard my cousin read out a story to her granddaughter,
“And then the princess found herself locked in a tower surrounded by a stinky moat with crocodiles and a huge scary dragon guarding the door,” read the grandmother, with her eyes wide and voice deep.
Then, she made a sad face and continued softly, “So, the poor princess waited and waited for her prince to come.”
“But, why was she waiting for the prince, Nani?”
asked the little girl, impatiently.
The grandmother added, “To come and save her, silly.”
“But, Nani, why did she need a prince to save her?” the girl asked again.
“Uhh… hmm…” the grandmother was at a loss of words.
The little girl said proudly, “If it were me, instead of waiting for years and years for a prince, I would have tamed the dragon and flew out of the window. I would have rescued myself.”
She discarded the book and walked away, “This princess is stupid.”
The grandmother whispered with a broad smile,
“I guess it is time to rewrite the fairy tales.”
Let’s teach our children to be self-sufficient and independent rather than waiting for a prince or a miracle to happen!
Let’s not follow stereotypes,
What your children think about life is a reflection of what they see in you.
Make sure they see courage, compassion, kindness, humility, responsibility and unlimited potential.
Change the mindset, break the stereotype & stay blessed forever.