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 little girls and tweens who love to dress up their virtual Barbie dolls in various glamorous outfits complete with shoes, bags, and jewelry. Most parents are surprised at the values and skills their young children learn by playing these flash games for an hour or so every day.
Women’s Empowerment
Why is that misconception still prevalent in our society? Blame may fall at the feet of Barbie doll’s naysayers whose main bone of contention lies in the seemingly unhealthy focus on the ideal body (ample bust, small waist, and feminine hips) and unattainable fashion sense: an outfit unique for each day of the year – promoted by Mattel.
But this is far from the truth! Barbie encourages girls to be empowered women in their later years in many ways.
First of all, by playing Barbie dress up games, young girls learn about the many 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 along with a successful career, modern skills, and good moral values.
Second, girls learn by playing these games that their choices are, in fact, many! From their choices, be it clothes and education, they can determine their future goal, even when they make mistakes, they can start over. Now that’s what we call the empowerment of women starting at a very young age.
Beyond physical appearances
It’s true that Barbie dress up games are designed to allow girls to play with the clothes, shoes and bags as well as hair and makeup of virtual Barbie dolls to achieve the best possible look for their characters. But there is nothing inherently wrong with it either.
At a young age, parents encourage girls (and boys) to look their best, especially when they meet other people. Keep in mind that seeking your best self results in increased self-confidence when meeting and mingling with others. So it’s not surprising that all parents want their children to do their best.
In fact, valuing your physical appearance is about more than just looking good yourself: it’s also about feeling good about yourself, even in mixed company. Such proper value of looking and feeling good can be fostered among girls by allowing them to play Barbie dress up games!
Think about it: By the time young women are ready for the workplace, they already have clues about what to wear for the office, in part due to their love of dress-up games starring Barbie and the 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 girls play Barbie dress up games. The trick is to monitor their game time so they can learn valuable lessons without getting addicted to the world of online flash games.