WWCD? (What Would Cinderella Do?)
Vika loves princesses. She has watched all the Disney Princess movies, and asks us to read her a fairy tale almost every night before bed. Her favorite princess, by far, is Cinderella. She has watched the movie about 5 times, and likes to hear different versions of the story (like The Rough Faced Girl). So great is her admiration, that she has set herself on a path to become "just like Cinderella."
I'm not fighting this goal too much because right now, it means that Vika is roaming the house, looking for chores to do. Cinderella did, after all, work as a servant before she found her prince. Currently, she is on her hands and knees, with a bucket of water and sponge in hand, cleaning the kitchen cabinets. I did not ask her to do this, she volunteered. When I suggested she play with Eamon instead, Vika was very disappointed and insisted that she wanted to clean, because in her book, there is a picture of Cinderella scrubbing the kitchen. Who am I to argue with such logic?
Another way this goal has come in handy is in the reinforcing of good manners. During dinner, when Vika begins to talk with her mouth full or smack her lips, I simply say, "Vika, what would Cinderella do?" This stops the behavior immediately and encourages her to use proper table manners.
It has also encouraged her to behave with more kindness towards her brother. Just yesterday, I heard Vika snap at Eamon because he was pushing her buttons (a favorite pastime), but she quickly corrected herself: "Eamon, I didn't really say that mean. I just want you to stop doing that please. Can you?" Eamon, taken aback by this about-face, apologized and began playing nicely. I didn't even have to step in to referee!
I did become a bit concerned however, when Vika asked Jeff and I where princes live. We could already see the plot she was forming in her head to become a "real princess." This prediction was confirmed when she asked if we could go to these countries, "to visit," and maybe try to meet a prince. She plans to captivate this prince so much, that when she gets older, he will marry her, thus completing her transformation into a real live princess.
Jeff looked at me, rolled his eyes and said, "Oh, brother!" Perhaps this admiration of Cinderella has gone a bit too far? Maybe I should tell her the story of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to teach her that happiness is not dependent upon royal status?
It is hard not to encourage Vika in her quest when she asks with such enthusiasm, "Mama, can I sweep the floor?" and "Mama, can I dust the pictures?" She's so happy doing these chores, even to the point where she is smiling and singing "Sing Sweet Nightingale" as she cleans the floor! Soon enough, she'll grow up and learn that not all fairy-tales have happy endings. Until then, I plan to enjoy the little perks resulting from her role as a P.I.T. (Princess In Training). Especially when it means that I don't have to clean out the litter box!
Press on Vika! Someday your prince will come. In the meantime, here's a broom. :)
I'm not fighting this goal too much because right now, it means that Vika is roaming the house, looking for chores to do. Cinderella did, after all, work as a servant before she found her prince. Currently, she is on her hands and knees, with a bucket of water and sponge in hand, cleaning the kitchen cabinets. I did not ask her to do this, she volunteered. When I suggested she play with Eamon instead, Vika was very disappointed and insisted that she wanted to clean, because in her book, there is a picture of Cinderella scrubbing the kitchen. Who am I to argue with such logic?Another way this goal has come in handy is in the reinforcing of good manners. During dinner, when Vika begins to talk with her mouth full or smack her lips, I simply say, "Vika, what would Cinderella do?" This stops the behavior immediately and encourages her to use proper table manners.
It has also encouraged her to behave with more kindness towards her brother. Just yesterday, I heard Vika snap at Eamon because he was pushing her buttons (a favorite pastime), but she quickly corrected herself: "Eamon, I didn't really say that mean. I just want you to stop doing that please. Can you?" Eamon, taken aback by this about-face, apologized and began playing nicely. I didn't even have to step in to referee!
I did become a bit concerned however, when Vika asked Jeff and I where princes live. We could already see the plot she was forming in her head to become a "real princess." This prediction was confirmed when she asked if we could go to these countries, "to visit," and maybe try to meet a prince. She plans to captivate this prince so much, that when she gets older, he will marry her, thus completing her transformation into a real live princess.
Jeff looked at me, rolled his eyes and said, "Oh, brother!" Perhaps this admiration of Cinderella has gone a bit too far? Maybe I should tell her the story of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to teach her that happiness is not dependent upon royal status?
It is hard not to encourage Vika in her quest when she asks with such enthusiasm, "Mama, can I sweep the floor?" and "Mama, can I dust the pictures?" She's so happy doing these chores, even to the point where she is smiling and singing "Sing Sweet Nightingale" as she cleans the floor! Soon enough, she'll grow up and learn that not all fairy-tales have happy endings. Until then, I plan to enjoy the little perks resulting from her role as a P.I.T. (Princess In Training). Especially when it means that I don't have to clean out the litter box!
Press on Vika! Someday your prince will come. In the meantime, here's a broom. :)
Girls are so awesome. Pineapple loves to help me clean to. Of course it isn't helpful, but she is so eager. That is great that she is finding fun in helping- You can never get enough of that!
Too cute! Can I borrow the princess in training? And before you say no, just think to yourself, WWCD? :-)
What a lovely lovely story. No doubt one day she will learn the reality (we don't need men to be complete, princes and princess' don't always = happiness) but how wonderful that in her little world life is this simple (and clean!). I did have a chuckle thinking about what she would think if you read her 'The real story of Cinderella' ! lol
I do love the 'what would cinderella do' lol adorable :)
And when you are ready, there are LOADS of little princes, duke's and lords here!!!
We think Vika's already a princess.
That's so cute. My friend's two girls have fights over who gets to dust the TV. Maybe all little girls have some Cinderella dreams.
That is so awesome! What a little princess!