Strong messages about self-confidence, embracing change, and staying true to your values. Kids see Sofia learning to fit in among the royals, but she's not afraid to stand out from the crowd when her feelings contradict tradition. Sofia learns a new lesson in each day, always relating to a positive personality trait like compassion, honesty, or perseverance. The story centers on a happy blended family.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Sofia doesn't balk at taking a stand on what's important to her, even if that means that she seems different from all the other princes and princesses, and her willingness to do so often has a positive influence on those around her. Some of her peers are standoffish and snooty, but she follows her heart rather than them, and her actions sway their opinions about "proper" princess behavior. Sofia always turns to a parent or trusted friend for advice when she's struggling with a decision.
Educational Value
a little
Positive examples of self-esteem, friendship, and compassion. Kids see the characters cope with insecurities, new challenges, and ill-meaning peers, all with self-affirming results and good messages about growing up.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sofia the First is a TV series that follows Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess and tells the story of young Sofia, newly minted princess who's trying to adapt to her new life as a royal. Kids will love the show's spunky heroine and her amusing adventures, and parents will appreciate that the characters illustrate positive traits like loyalty, honesty, and friendship in stories well suited for their young audience. Sofia's experiences inspire viewers to celebrate their own unique qualities as she does, even when it means that she stands out in a crowd. Guest appearances by recognizable princesses like Belle and Jasmine might inspire kids' interest in Disney's other royal stories, making this series a possible gateway into other Disney offerings.
I love the idea of a princess show for kids that actually brings in other princesses. It is very hard to find princess shows or movies for kiddos under six. I personally feel Sophia does encourage bad behavior. Not only is amber usually always mean, they tend to treat those *below* them as If they do not hold value compared to them. I do feel yes eventually they go over what happened and usually apologize but I still feel it relays the wrong message. Not only that, but why do Disney shows for kids always have to have a villain? Seriously. When kids are young and at an age under 7 before they can consciously understand that big picture and how to reason etc. They are very monkey see monkey do. And they need to be encouraged with positivity. Meaning the shows they watch should have that and that only.. I still have yet to find a disney show that has just that.. a few nick Jr shows do. But they sometimes still have the bad guy (Like mayor humdinger in paw patrol why?? Or lady marmalady in buttrbeans) it's not necessary. And teaching kids to be cruel to others is not right at that age. They need to make a princess show where they are consistently kind and promote positivity ( look at daniel tiger for example!- it takes lessons but encourages positivity) I just wouldn't recommend this to younger kids.
Negative messaging followed by positive is not good for children.
My 3 year old daughter wanted to watch this show and I have watched the first few episodes with her.
So far in the first 3 episodes or so, this is what the show teaches us:
- You will be judged for being different, changing yourself to fit in is good.
- Boys and girls cannot participate in the same activities.
- We should be afraid of others who look different and have different customs.
Of course by the end of the episode we learn the opposite of these lessons, but child psychology research shows that negative lessons are the ones that stick. So the kids are learning that they will be judged, they can't do things others can do, and it is not okay to be different.
Super disappointed in the show. It has cute moments, but watching it I could tell it was made over 10 years ago. Children are becoming more tolerant and accepting than ever, shows like this do not belong in 2020.
What's the Story?
In SOFIA THE FIRST, young Sofia (voiced by Ariel Winter) is learning the ropes now that she's an official part of the royal family. When her mother, Miranda (Sara Ramirez), married King Roland II (Travis Willingham), Sofia became a princess overnight, but the transition isn't without its ups and downs. Fortunately she has loving parents, two new stepsiblings, and a collection of woodland friends to help her find her way, not to mention surprise visits from more experienced princesses like Jasmine and Ariel. With their help, Sofia learns that being royal isn't about fancy dresses and parties; it's about being a good friend, caring for others, and always doing what's right.
This engaging series does everything right with a talented voice cast (including guests like Eric Stonestreet, Bonnie Hunt, and Jeffrey Tambor), lively original music, sharp writing, and crisp animation that brings to life darling Sofia and a well-rounded supporting cast. The stories are inspired by coming-of-age woes young kids will understand like trying to fit in with new friends, and the messages about self image, perseverance, and compassion won't miss their mark with your younger kids.
Sofia the First improves on its popular feature-length predecessor, presenting viewers with a more complete heroine in its precocious young star who gracefully balances royal expectations with her efforts to bring her own individuality to the princess role. In so doing, she teaches her friends and kids at home about the joys of overcoming new challenges and inspires the belief that if you're true to yourself and embrace your individuality, then there's no limit to what you can do.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sofia meets her challenges. Who gives her good advice when she needs it? How does talking about her troubles with others help guide her decisions? Does she always make the right decision the first time? How does she learn from her mistakes in Sofia the First?
How does Sofia compare to some of the grown-up Disney princesses? What are her best qualities? In what ways does she challenge stereotypes about princesses? What comes of her breaking from traditions?
Kids: What are your favorite qualities about yourself? Do they ever make you feel different from your friends? Does this ever seem like a bad thing? How would the world differ if there was more similarity in how we look and act?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
