Raising Polite Princesses

When our oldest daughter was about 2, she became obsessed with princesses. Disney princesses to be exact. The glitzy gowns, the beautiful hair, something about them just captured her attention and held it tight. Lucky for us, there are some valuable lessons that can be taught from these childhood icons, and we've been happy to use this love to instill polite manners and behavior. 

A few months ago, we began to notice that our daughter's table manners were not what they once were. Talking with her mouth full, squirming in her seat, interrupting others.... you name it...she was doing it. And it had to stop. 

We pulled out a favorite book which unfortunately had been gathering dust as it had fallen out of our rotation. This book is simple to read with simple directions such as please and thank you, taking small bites, etc. But for some reason, this just wasn't "sticking" like it had when we read it over and over again as a two year old. I was at a loss as to how to teach her manners in a fun way, that would make her WANT to be polite. 

Then it hit me. We had recently booked our annual trip to Walt Disney World and had not yet announced it to the girls. It was still several months away and experience had taught us to not let the news out just yet or it would be a LONG few months. 

I was able to score a reservation at the Cinderella's Royal Table, a meal we had always talked of splurging on, but had never made the plunge financially. Given this would be our child's fourth trip to Disney World (in 4 years), we had done most of the princess meals already and this seemed like a perfect motivator for a polite princess. Then, we put our plan into action. 

One night at dinner we began talking about how you can actually eat with the princesses INSIDE Cinderella's castle. My husband and I were just talking casually while little ears listened in. We played it up and talked of how you had to be invited to dine with her, and only the most polite people were invited as guests inside the castle. Instantly, my daughter spoke up and said, "I WANT TO GO TO HER CASTLE!"

We looked at each other and said something about how great that would be, but we had to wait until we were invited, and really work on our manners. The rest of the meal was PERFECT...but would it last? 

Many times throughout the summer, this conversation replayed. With each complaint of trying a new food, we asked if she would tell Cinderella the same thing if we were invited to her castle. Before long, she would try a new food without complaining, and then politely say, "I tried the new food, but don't really care for it. No more please." Now...I won't pretend this happened EVERY TIME as it didn't. But, it did happen more than it had before, and I was impressed and grateful. 

The squirmy, food talker, interrupting, lack of manners child had transformed into a more calm, patient and polite little girl, all on her own. At lunch dates with friends, I witness her explaining table manners and the importance of being polite. 

Before long, we felt it was time to write Cinderella a letter detailing the improvement and politeness our daughter had worked toward. 

Now we are awaiting a royal reply and hopefully a ROYAL invitation to the castle!