Contrary to popular opinion, Barbie dress up games have their educational values! This is despite the first impression that these online flash games are designed for small girls and pre-teens who love to dress up their virtual Barbie dolls in various glamorous outfits complete with shoes, bags and jewelry. Most parents are surprised about the values and skills that their young children learn from playing these flash games for an hour or so every day.
Empowerment for Women
Why is such misconception still prevalent in our society? The blame can be laid at the feet of Barbie doll detractors whose main point of contention lies in the apparently unhealthy focus on the ideal body – ample bust, small waist, and feminine hips – and unattainable fashion sense – one unique outfit for every day of the year – promoted by Mattel.
But this is far from the truth! Barbie encourages young girls to be empowered women in their later years in so many ways.
First, by playing Barbie dress up games, young girls are introduced to the numerous possibilities of their future careers from teachers, doctors and nurses to astronauts, engineers, and even presidents of their own companies, among others. The Barbie lifestyle as simulated in these flash games encourages players to live an independent life coupled with a successful career, modern skillsets, and good moral values.
Second, young girls learn from playing these games that their choices are, indeed, aplenty! From their choices, be it clothes and education, can determine their future but even when they make mistakes, they can start all over again. Now that’s what we call women empowerment starting at a very young age.
Beyond Physical Appearances
Admittedly, Barbie dress up games are designed to allow young girls to play around with the clothes, shoes and bags as well as hair and makeup of the virtual Barbie dolls so as to achieve the best possible appearance for their characters. But there is nothing intrinsically wrong with it either.
At an early age, young girls – and boys, for that matter – are encouraged by their parents to look their best especially when meeting other people. Keep in mind that looking your best results in greater self-confidence when meeting and mingling with others. It is then not surprising that every parent wants their children to put their best foot forward.
Indeed, valuing your physical appearance goes beyond looking good itself – it is also about feeling good about yourself even in mixed company. Such appropriate value in looking and feeling good can be nurtured among young girls by allowing them to play Barbie dress up games!
Think about it: By the time young girls are ready for the workplace, they already have clues about appropriate office wear partly because of her fondness for dress up games starring Barbie and her gang. This is also true for other occasions like casual parties, social events, and hot dates where first impressions are often the lasting impressions.
Parents, don’t hesitate to let your young girls play Barbie dress up games. The trick is in supervising their game time so that they can learn valuable lessons without becoming addicted to the world of online flash games.
Source by Robert J Phillips
