33 new, more diverse versions of Barbie are now available, and this is a step in the right direction to support individuality and diversity, but there is still room for discussion and learning–for adults and little ones, alike.
Understanding that there is not a one-size-fits-all is paramount for girls to maintain a positive self image, and celebrating individuality and promoting positive self-worth empowers our girls to become confident in their talents, abilities, and bodies.
What’s most important is that we take time to teach our daughters to be more than the brand, the image, and the figure, however.
While Barbie has been an astronaut, doctor, and countless other professionals over the years, what initially made her famous is that she was pretty and rocked high heels.
The coachable moments here are many, sunshine, and I encourage you to ask your millennial girl some questions to get her thinking deeper; rock her world beyond Barbie’s fame of a pretty plastic doll.
First, create a unique personality for Barbie, asking questions beyond Barbie’s physical features:
- What do you think she likes to do in her free time?
- How might those hobbies help others/make the world better?
- Do you think that Barbie’s mom ever got upset with her? How do you think she reacted?
- Do you think Barbie was ever cut from a team? How did this help Barbie make new goals?
- Do any of the dolls have a frown? Why do you think that is? Is that realistic? What are some emotions you experience on a daily basis?
While play and fantasy are important for brain development and creativity, it is important to empower our girls with tools to promote strong, healthy, confident character and real-life learning and application.
I invite you to share questions that you’ve asked your daughter when playing Barbie or dolls, sunshine.
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I’d love to hear and learn from you.
