Princess Bedtime Stories for Kids

Why do little girls love princesses?

Princesses bundle up a lot of what three- to six-year-olds are drawn to: dressing up, sparkle, big feelings, and a character who is in charge of her own world. Playing princess lets a small child try out being important, being brave and making the rules. Plenty of boys love princesses too, and that's just as normal.

Is the princess phase bad for my child?

The research is more reassuring than the headlines. A 2016 study of about 200 preschoolers from Brigham Young University found that children most engaged with Disney princesses showed more gender-stereotyped play a year later.

But when the same researchers followed the children into their early teens, those who had been most into princesses as preschoolers held more progressive views about gender roles, especially the girls, and had better body esteem. What seems to matter is variety and conversation: princesses who solve problems, and a grown-up who talks about the story with them.

What age do kids grow out of princesses?

There's no set age. For many children the princess phase peaks in the preschool years and fades in the first years of school as their interests widen. Some keep a soft spot for it much longer, and that's fine too.

What makes a good princess story for bedtime?

A princess who does something: solves a problem, looks after someone smaller, makes a choice. Keep the stakes small and calm, a lost crown rather than a battle, and finish with the whole kingdom going to sleep. In Princess Mia's Royal Bedtime, the adventure is getting a sleepy kingdom, and one very awake royal dog, to bed.

Why do kids like castles?

A castle is the ultimate den: walls to keep you safe, towers to look out from, secret rooms, and you're the one in charge. A cardboard box or a garden shed works just as well, as Mia finds out.