Why You and Your Daughter Should Be Watching Disney’s Elena of Avalor

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Channel. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

At just 7 and 5 years old my girls have distinct personalities.  Greenleigh is my headstrong, willing-to-try-anything-once child, who loves a challenge.  She’s loud and boisterous and you’re sure to hear about it if she likes or doesn’t like something.  Hazeline is quieter and often needs a bit of time to warm up to people, but once you know her you meet a sassy little girl who knows (or thinks she knows) exactly what she’s doing.  She’s cute and silly and can’t resist a cuddle.

While they’re extremely different, I feel like I deal with many of the same parenting struggles with each them – mean girls, wardrobe issues, attitude, and role models.  Ahhh yes, role models are tough one for us.  I try to lead by example in my house, but the fact is, my girls are always looking for role models outside of our home.  They mimic what they hear on the radio.  They want to wear what they see in catalogs and magazines.  And they want be just like the kids they see on television.  As a result, I have be be extremely selective about what they watch on television and take particular note when a new, positive role model for girls makes her way on to the scene.  And that’s exactly what happened this past weekend when Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor made her royal debut.

Elena of Avalor isn’t just any ordinary princess.  She’s a 16 year old, Latina princess who not only saves her kingdom from a magical sorceress but goes on to rule her kingdom with the help of her family.  I’m pretty sure that makes her an extraordinary princess, even by princess standards.  My kids watched the first episode on demand earlier this month and simply couldn’t wait for the royal debut on July 22nd.  While I was initially a bit hesitant (as I am about most of their television choices), a little quick research uncovered that this was a show with a young, female leader.  I actually loved the message so much that I threw a viewing party!

We invited 10 of my daughter’s friends over for dinner and the show.  On the way in, they walked the fuchsia carpet and tried on crowns (along with other props) and made their way inside where we had lots of food, fun, and crafts.

When the show came on, it was probably the quietest I’ve ever heard a room of 13 kids.  They were hooked!

All the kids went home with a goody bag filled with Elena of Avalor treats, including a poster, watercolor print, tattoos, and red necklace to match Elena’s dress.  These were really a hit.

At the end of the night, the show got rave reviews from both moms and kids.

So why should you watch Elena of Avalor with your kids?  Easy.  The message is one we should be instilling in each of our girls – leadership, courage, and compassion.  These are things that I work each day to teach my children through example, and I’m thrilled to have a television character that they enjoy teaching them the same things.

I think most importantly, my kids can relate to Elena.  After all, she’s still a kid and just learning how to rule.  My kids have been watching Elena of Avalor non-stop on the Disney Junior app since the premiere.  The other day when my daughter had an episode on in the car I stopped and asked her why she liked Elena of Avalor so much.  Her response was priceless: “I like her because she’s smart and pretty and she helps people.  Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do Mommy?”.  Yes, it is.  Now that’s a show I can feel good about my child watching.

Make sure to tune into the Disney Channel each week to follow Elena of Avalor’s latest royal adventures with your daughter! Elena of Avalor airs on the Disney Channel on Fridays at 7:30pm ET/6:30 pm CT and 7:30 pm PT!  We’ll be watching, will you?