You may not find it in a medical textbook, but many young girls suffer from Princess Syndrome (PS). They live their lives as fairytales, focusing only on pretty things, putting themselves at the center of the universe, and obsessing about their looks. While this can be fun and whimsical when a girl is a toddler, it can also set the tone for how she develops into a young woman. Signs to look for in young girls who may be developing PS are temper tantrums, learned helplessness, lack of motivation, procrastination, pouting and cheating. They may find fault with others, or even verbally bully others. Young women who have PS have discovered that excessive flirting can give them what they want. They demand to be the center of attention, displaying an incessant need for praise for their looks or clothing. They are, in essence, a bottomless pit of need for adulation. So, what can parents do to help their daughters create their own happily ever after? Their first instinct may be to try to shield their daughter from all potentially negative influences. Unfortunately, this is virtually impossible. Rather than avoid it, parents should teach their daughters how to deal with the pressure, and to develop positive self-esteem, a realistic body-image, and self-sufficiency. Getting their daughters into some “princess recovery” might be the best way to help them grow into the women they want them to be.
