From courageous princesses to quick-witted heroines, Disney female characters have long captured the hearts of audiences while offering valuable life lessons.
These characters go beyond simple entertainment. They provide children with role models who encourage and inspire them to be whatever they want to be.
In this article, we will look at 20 of the best Disney female characters, the lessons they teach. And why they are still an inspiration to young minds all over the world.
What good qualities should Disney female characters have?
Disney female characters are not just mere cartoon. They are models that portray the best of and the kind of behavior, that we want to see our children emulate.
Most of these characters possess attributes that make them role models and inspire children to become responsible and empathetic adults.
Below are some of the most effective character traits that describe these inspiring figures.
1. Courage. Disney heroines such as Moana and Mulan are depicted as brave characters who do not shy away from challenging situations. As they teach children the importance of not being afraid.
2. Kindness. The examples of Snow White and Cinderella convey the message that one can change people’s lives. And establish sincere and deep relationships by being kind and compassionate.
3. Resilience. From Elsa’s self-discovery to Tiana’s struggle for her dreams, the element of resilience is evident and motivates children to push through struggles.
4. Independence. Characters like Megara and Esmeralda break the stereotype. They find ways to make life on their own without the help of a male figure showing strength.
5. Leadership. Nala and Raya can be considered as examples of leaders who possess qualities such as teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to motivate people.
These traits altogether help young audiences to dream big, become confident and help them make right choices in their lives.
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Manage your kids’ streaming time, develop healthy digital habits
Use parental controls to manage their screen time
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20 best disney female characters kids can learn from
Below is a list of Disney female characters that are considered good role models for children. As well as the lessons that kids can learn from them.
1. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Tiana, Disney’s first black princess, helps the children understand that success is achievable with hard work and determination.
She represents the spirit of toiling, persevering, and having a realistic balance between dreams and real life.
Through Tiana’s story, children learn that no matter the challenges that come their way, they can work hard and succeed.
2. Rapunzel (Tangled)
Although Rapunzel was raised in a tower without knowledge of the outside world, her desire and courage to venture out is the essence of the film.
Her story is a lesson on the importance of bravery in the pursuit of one’s dreams and the discovery of oneself.
She proves that one can be polite but at the same time firm while staying curious about the world and protecting one’s interests.
3. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Ariel is a true example of curiosity, determination, and the will to journey in search of new experiences beyond what is familiar.
While her actions may be reckless at times. Her desire to learn about another world and her determination is a good lesson on curiosity and following one’s dreams.
Children are taught the value of being able to fight for what they want to do and what they believe in.
4. Jasmine (Aladdin)
Jasmine is a proud and determined woman who rebels against traditional norms and expectations of women.
She encourages children not to conform to the rules which were set up and teaches them to appreciate freedom.
She shows that one’s character is not defined by the position one holds but by the humane individual one is on the inside.
5. Mulan
Mulan is a character that represents courage, self-sacrifice, and resourcefulness. By taking up her father’s place in the army, she defies the stereotypical roles of a woman.
Her story gives children hope and shows them that being a hero is not all about being muscular but rather intelligent.
Children are introduced to the concepts of honor, duty and how they can find their purpose in the society.
6. Elsa (Frozen)
The story of the transformation of Elsa from a fearful princess to a confident persona. Relates with many children who feel out of place.
She gives lessons on anger control, self-acceptance, and the benefits of being strong and tender.
Children are taught the need to be assertive not aggressive, and to be comfortable with who they are as people.
7. Anna (Frozen)
Anna embodies optimism, loyalty and devotion. Her ability to look for the good in people. While learning how to be more careful with trust is a good lesson for children.
Her story also teaches children of the existence of different kinds of love, especially the love of a family.
It shows young kids the importance of hard work, willingness to sacrifice for family, and having hope regardless of conditions.
8. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Belle’s strengths include her intelligence, kindness, and not judging people at first sight. Her passion for books and learning demonstrates to children the need to nurture the brain.
She acts as proof that people should not judge based on appearance but rather the character of the individual they meet.
She teaches children about the importance of curiosity, courage and compassion as well as the consequences of bullying.
9. Merida (Brave)
Merida symbolizes independence, athletic ability and self-sufficiency or self-reliance.
Her complex relationship with tradition and liberation is easily relatable to children trying to deal with their new found independence.
From her story, one can gather how crucial it is to be able to rebuild relationships and reach an understanding.
10. Pocahontas
From her interaction with the natural environment, Pocahontas teaches children the importance of protecting the environment.
Even though she chooses to follow her heart, she does it responsibly, which shows that she is quite mature.
Children get to understand how to solve conflicts without fighting, how to embrace other cultures. And how to be brave enough to fight for the right things.
11. Megara (Hercules)
Megara brings out conflict in her character, especially as she progresses from a cynic to a vulnerable woman.
Her character focuses on the theme of second chances and the idea that past pain does not determine the future.
Her’s, is a simple story that teaches children about emotional truth and the strength of loving again after being betrayed.
12. Raya (Raya and the Last Dragon)
Raya embodies the theme of perseverance, fighting, and rebuilding relationships after one has been betrayed.
Her mission to reunite divided lands helps children understand how to overcome division and come together.
Her story shows that in order to build trust, one has to open up and be willing to be hurt.
13. Moana
Moana embodies the balance between honoring tradition and following one’s dream.
Her ability to continue to work for her goal even when she faced some challenges shows that she is a resilient person.
Children get to learn lessons such as respect for the environment, cultural values, and balancing between responsibility and preordained roles.
14. Snow White
Despite being from a different generation, Snow White is a kind, optimistic character who learns how to find happiness even in adversity.
Her love for other people helps children learn about hope and being good even in the worst of situations.
Children learn the importance of being kind hearted regardless of the circumstances one is placed in.
15. Cinderella
Cinderella is a true example of a graceful and hardworking girl who does not lose her kind heart. Despite the cruelty of her step-family.
Through her story, children learn that character is not defined by the situation we are in. But rather by how we behave in those situations.
Children are also taught about perseverance, the value of respecting life, and the concepts of hope in a better world.
16. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Aurora shows kindness, curiosity, and being able to keep an open spirit even when one is locked up.
While she may not have much control in her own story. Her kind character and her love for nature teaches children to appreciate the little things in life.
Her character is a gentle reminder that being kind and being interested in other people can create genuine relationships.
17. Lilo (Lilo & Stitch)
Lilo teaches valuable lessons about genuine emotions, being unique and the significance of family, no matter how it is formed.
Her willingness to take in those who are different helps children learn about embracing the diversity and creating non-traditional families.
Children are get to learn how to handle aggression, dealing with trolls in school, and understanding acceptance.
18. Giselle (Enchanted)
The transition of Giselle from a fairy tale cartoon character to the realistic world. Teaches children how one has to adjust expectations to reality.
Even when she is confronted with cynicism her character is optimistic and she is kind which shows emotional strength.
Kids learn how to distinguish fantasies from reality around relationships and how to find love in small things.
19. Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Esmeralda represents justice, protection of the marginalized, and fighting against the social norms of society.
In the case of Quasimodo, she educates children on the importance of not judging others by looks and seeing value in everyone.
Children are exposed to the theme of standing up to the authority, defending the weaker individuals. And what it mean to be beautiful inside.
20. Kida (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)
Kida is a warrior princess and later a queen who shows leadership, respect for traditions, and the ability to evolve.
It is in her ability to reconnect with her people’s past that she imparts the value of cultural history to children.
Children are taught to embrace the past and the future, to preserve customs, and to be kind and wise.
How can parents be kid’s role models?
Though the Disney female characters can influence children positively and teach lessons, the real magic only happens if those lessons can be complimented at home.
Here are some ways in which parents can be the positive role models to their children:
1. Lead by example. Children learn by watching. If you want your child to be a kind, honest and hard working child. You should do what you expect your child to do as well.
2. Foster open communication. Talk to your children about different matters such as empathy, choices, and right and wrong and teach them how to think critically.
3. Promote healthy habits. Teaching good habits such as exercise and healthy diet will compel the kid to adopt such behaviors in everyday practice.
4. Stay actively involved. Engage actively in your child’s life by going out as a family or getting involved in their hobbies. This fosters camaraderie.
5. Set clear standards of behavior. Set up rules and expectations. Make sure they are fair so that learners will come to appreciate the need to adhere to the set standards.
In this way, parents can play an important role in molding their children into becoming compassionate, confident and responsible individuals.
Parental tips when kids watch Disney movies?
While children enjoy Disney movies, parents can do their part in making the experience as safe as possible.
The following are some tips that parents should consider to enhance kid’s safety.
Use parental controls on streaming platforms like Disney+
Disney+ has an exclusive feature lets parents block shows or movies based on age ratings.
For greater customization, creating age-restricted accounts and blocking autoplay options as possible so your child does not mistakenly come across unsuitable material.
This way, they can watch movies like Moana without coming across anything unsuitable for them in the film.
Enhance protection with third-party parental controls
You can use third-party parental control apps like FlashGet Kids to make the monitoring process even more effective. It has useful features like screen time to help you control how much time your kid can spend on a specific app or phone.
Conclusion
Disney females have transformed from being portrayed as weak and helpless who depend on the male characters to strong and proactive role models.
These Disney princesses and modern heroines, represent strength and hope in the face of adversity and are the perfect role models for young children.
Through these stories, parents and children can explore important topics. Such as overcoming adversities, helping others, and finding one’s own identity.
