There's just something about Cinderella -- from her gentle, guileless spirit to her

glittering, glass slippers -- that makes her one of the most cherished Disney
princesses for little girls. But compared to other heroines, like Elsa or Belle or Mulan,
she seems to be extra passive and damsel-in-distress (though probably not as much
as Sleeping Beauty!).
Although there have been attempts to give her character a modern edge (see Drew
Barrymore's "Ever After"), her story (no matter which cultural version you're
reading) works best when it's still rooted in universal lessons of kindness, fairness,
and patience. Personally, I've always been partial to Cinderella for her inner beauty
and goodness, and for the powerful lessons her story teaches -- timeless lessons
that parents can teach their kids across all ages and backgrounds.

1- Always Be Kind No Matter What - A little kindness goes a long way, and no doubt
Cinderella is a kind soul. Her kindness can make her seem like a pushover
(especially when her evil stepmother and stepsisters are overloading her with
housework!). But it actually takes a certain quiet strength to remain as kind as she
does to others, be it elderly ladies who turn out to be fairy godmothers or
defenseless animals. Cinderella's kindness allows her to be selfless, to remain
grateful and to appreciate others. Takeaway: Help your kids understand the
importance of kindness and generosity, and remember to show other parents some
kindness as well!

2- Be Brave and Take Chances - Somehow, after a long day of hard work, Cinderella
still finds the courage to say, "I may be treated like a housemaid, but I deserve to
go to the royal ball, too!" She takes a chance to go with her stepfamily, even though
it doesn't end well. And even when that happens, she's still brave enough to risk a
ride in a pumpkin carriage to spend a few short but glorious hours dancing.
Takeaway: From a young age, foster bravery and fuel independence so your child
will grow up to be a trailblazer.

3- Don't Let Setbacks Stop You - This lesson goes hand-in-hand with #2. Instead of
staying home weeping, sweeping, and having a solo pity party after her first ball
gown is ruined, Cinderella stays determined and resilient to attend the ball. So what
if the magical transformation wears off at midnight? And even when the stepmother
tries to prevent her from trying on the precious slipper, Cinderella still finds a way to
try it on. Takeaway: Raise your child to not give up on anything when the going gets
tough; instead, inspire her to keep on trying.

4- Never Stop Dreaming - There's a reason why Disney's motto for Cinderella is
"Dare to Dream" and why the animated movie is anchored on the song, "A Dream Is
a Wish Your Heart Makes." She believes her circumstances can change, and she

doesn't give up on her dreams. So when she actually has the opportunity to change
certain moments, she's already prepared to embrace them. Takeaway: It's never too
early to set (achievable) goals, which can guide your child toward a happy future
and well-rounded life.

5- Believe in Yourself - Cinderella's able to keep dreaming because she believes in

herself and her self-worth. She remembers her loving parents and knows she is
more than the designated housemaid. Despite her tough circumstances and her
difficult stepfamily, she still chooses to be kind and brave, to persevere and remain
steadfast in trying to change and take charge of her life. Takeaway: Boost your
child's self-esteem (but be careful to avoid narcissism) so he knows that he has the
innate ability to accomplish anything!

PLUS: In celebration of Cinderella and the latest movie, we're giving one person a
chance to win a set of four Mattel dolls (approximate retail value of $114), inspired
by the film's characters: Royal Ball Cinderella (in her iconic blue gown); Wedding
Day Cinderella (in a floral bodice and skirt); Lady Tremaine, aka. the Evil Stepmother
(in a green satin dress); and Fairy Godmother (in a rainbow-hued frock).

s safe to assume that everyone has seen Disneys classic animated Cinderella. Who
doesnt love this beautiful fairytale? Its a love story between a total underdog and a
charming prince (see what I did there?). It has humorous shenanigans, courtesy of
two ugly stepsisters. And, of course, there are all the adorable and oh-so-helpful
little animals? Lets not forget those catchy tunes, either its not a Disney movie
without songs about magic and love!

But what some people fail to see is the true greatness of the animated feature, and
the lessons that everyone, from ages four to 84, can apply to their daily lives to
make the whole world a better place. Skeptical? I get it. Disney princess movies
have a bad rep when it comes to setting an example for how we should really live
our real lives, but here are five lessons I think everyone can learn from Cinderella.

1. Pure kindness and love triumph over evil.

Remind me again, who won in Cinderella? Was it the terribly rude stepmother and
her hateful daughters, or was it the kind-to-a-fault heroine? Cinderella might have
been a little meek, but she conquered all at the end of the day because she
believed in kindness. She remembered to stay good while everyone around her was
bad. Remember when the stepsisters tore apart her beautiful pink dress, the one
that originally belonged to her deceased mother? I dont know about you, but I
would have had a cow. Cinderella, though? She just stayed strong until she was
alone, then she let out all the feels with a good cry. She didnt let them win that
battle! Her optimism and loving heart eventually overthrew the wickedness of her
stepfamily.

2. The love youre not looking for is perhaps the best love.

Cinderella is associated with romance and love, but she didnt actually go to the ball
to find herself some good lookin prince; she went so she could have fun and escape
her personal prison. The whole love at first sight thing with the prince? That was just

a coincidence. Sure, hes handsome and charming and all, but Cinderella just
wanted to go to the ball. While she certainly didnt complain when she got a
gorgeous new dress and makeover, a sweet ride, and the love of Prince Charming,
she didnt go searching for any of those, especially the prince. Now Cinderella and
Prince Charming are arguably the most well known lovers in the world. It just goes
to show the old saying is true and you really do find love when you least expect it.

3. Never stop dreaming.

If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true. Cinderella
HERSELF says this! Well, technically she sings it, but, in a Disney movie, doesnt
that just make it more true and important? Cinderella holds onto her dream of
escaping the wrath of her despicable stepmother and stepsisters. She dreams that
shell never have to do the chores they tell her to again; she dreams that she will be
able to go to the ball; she dreams that shell just be able to leave the home shes in.
And she never loses faith in the end, all of her dreams come true.

4. You have to work for those dreams!

This point and number 3 go hand in hand. I love fairytales just as much as the next
girl, but you cant sit around and wait forever, right? Cinderella didnt get to the ball
by chance. She got the opportunity to go because she deserved it. She worked hard
and was kind and kept love in her heart. When her stepmother told her that she had
to do a ridiculous amount of chores before she could even get ready for the ball,
Cinderella didnt fuss and whine about it. She quickly did it, even if it wasnt fair.
And even when she thought she was going to be allowed to go to the ball with her
stepsisters, Cinderella realized she didnt have anything to wear.

Most people would have simply thrown in the towel and decided not to go, but not
Cinderella. She worked hard to make her own dress, and do all of those chores, too.
In the end, it took a bit of magic to get Cinderella to the ball, but she really earned a
little magic. She did everything she could on her own first to make her dreams come
true.

5. Always have mice and birds make your clothing.

Okay, this one is hard for real teens to live by, but come on! That pink dress of hers?
Its a masterpiece! If mice and birds did this kind of stuff in real life, no one would
ever call an exterminator again. They even help Cinderella get ready and wake up in
the morning what a way to live!

Cinderella really is more than just a pretty face. While she is gorgeous, shes also a
kindhearted, gentle, calm woman with more grace than both of her stepsisters
combined. She works hard, whether shes doing something she wants to do or
something shes forced to do. Shes optimistic, even in her darkest hours, but that
doesnt mean that shes not afraid to cry. As the movie so dearly states; Cinderella,
youre as lovely as your name. I, for one, think theres a lot to learn from this
classic.

I always thought the fairy godmother was actually hired by the king and queen who
wanted their son to be married.
i mean look at the result. She brought to the party a girl who was not only beautiful
and hard working but who was also well trained in being subservient and catering to
other peoples needs.
All the prince had to do was be charming in public and check out all the babes in the
kingdom before making a decision.
and the fairy made sure not only that Cindy was the best dressed but that Cindy
made a very noticeable entrance and exit.
it could be argued that Cindy's running away like that might of made the prince
think she was not interested in him just for his wealth and position like all the other
girls were. which was another reason for him to fixate on Cindy.

I think the basic subject of most fairy tales is the triumph of good over evil.
Cinderella is unfortunately placed in the situation where her evil stepsisters and
stepmother force her into slavery and treat her badly. Even through it all, she keeps
a good attitude and essentially "turns the other cheek". In the end she got the thing
that her evil family members wanted, and went to great lengths to keep her from
getting: the prince. Good always wins.

On that note, some friends and I have noticed that disney movies in general have
really contributed to the breakdown of the "family". If you pay attention there is
hardly ever both parents around in fairy tales. Cinderella, just the dad.
Pochohauntus, just the dad. Beauty and the Beast, just the dad. Sleeping beauty
was sent away from and basically grew up without her parents, raised by 3 magical
sisters with no father figure. Mulan does involve both parents, both its femenistic
undertones (thats a whole 'nother question) erase all points that it gained for having
both parents in the picture.