Should I dress up my daughter like a disney Character?

[Sonya in Boise]

I'm glad I read this topic. I am debating the same thing and now feel better letting Ashley and Allyson make the decision. We are driving, so packing the outfits aren't a problem (we are going to DisneyLAND though). I saw a few girls dressed up and Ashley said she wanted to do it, but I was against it. This topic has opened the conversation again.

 

[Jen D]

I won't be popular on this, but here goes: If you feel that your child needs extra attention, go for it. If you feel that everyone deserves the same attention, leave the costume home.

This isn't a flame, just a disagreement. For my dd, it isn't about the extra "attention"-- and I agree, I don't think the princesses spend any more time with the costumed girls, although the dresses do give them something to talk about-- it's about having fun and dressing up. I'm certainly not trying to rob time away from other kids. I'm just letting the kid do something fun and special she wouldn't get to do anywhere else. I don't think it takes away from her "being herself."

Sometimes dress-up is just dress-up. Kids outgrow enjoying that kind of thing pretty fast, so might as well let indulge in a little fantasy while they can.

But thanks, familyoffive, for having me look at it a different way.

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by familyoffive
I won't be popular on this, but here goes: If you feel that your child needs extra attention, go for it. If you feel that everyone deserves the same attention, leave the costume home. I've always enjoyed the attention that my daughters get just by being themselves. Do clothes really make it worth more attention? I would hope not. That would mean that the Lords and Ladies are measured by appearance instead of substance. Just my opinion, for which I'm sure I will be flamed.

I agree with your sentiment if you refer to parents who have to live vicariously through their children--I see enough of that at hockey tournaments. If the child wants to dress up as their favorite character, then they should be allowed to do so (if practical). I can think of many more less appealing role models for a young girl than Cinderella and company. CM's making a bigger fuss over kids in costume is 1) nice for the kids 2) human nature and 3) good for Ei$ner's executive bonus (all those costume sales!).

I think your underlying egalitarianism is nice in theory, but we're talking about a 30 second interaction...not much time for delving in to the character of the children.

-Joe