I drink my tea out of a princess coffee mug. My mantle is lined with Disney movies, which I have invested in upgrading to the DVD versions. I have a plethora of Disney princess tee shirts I love to wear — even if I just wear them to bed.

I love Disney and I love Disney Princesses even more.

Today, there is a large controversy about whether or not Disney princesses are positive or negative role models for girls. I initially laughed when I read my first article arguing that they are negatively impacting girls. How could a Disney Princess be a bad role model when there are so many other awful role models out there? Why have I never looked at the Disney Princesses in a negative light?

The answer is this:

Belle, Ariel, and the other nine princesses are simply what you make of them (or what parents make of them and of what they convey to their daughters.) I feel that I developed positively by these characters, but my parents always made sure I took the right lessons from them. I will not argue that negative morals and ideals for future women can be found -- I'm simply saying there are a lot of positive ones too that can still help coach young girls into becoming strong, independent, feminists.

Plus, it might be something about the big beautiful dresses, the cartoon romances, or even the music, but little girls (and I) love princesses. That being said, I don't think it is a solid plan to eliminate these characters from girl's development. We just need to combat the negative ideas (ex. women need a man to change our situation) with the positive ones (ex. do not stop until you get what you want).

Below are the lessons I feel Disney Princesses teach us that are important to emphasize to our little young princesses:

Don't take food from strangers.

This one is pretty straight forward, but so important. Little girls need to be taught that they should not take food from someone they do not know. God forbid a kidnapping situation arises or something along those lines, but it is still important our little princesses know right from wrong. I promise you this will follow us through college and keep us from taking that mixed drink we didn't see poured from the cute guy at the party.

(Snow white is a tough one because it is the oldest and thus might have some ideas that are looked at unfavorably. Identify the positive and use the negative vintage ideas to generate discussion.)

Women can be B.A. and can do just as much as men can — if not more.

Did any man save China? No. Mulan did. Mulan wasn't even supposed to be allowed to be in the war because she's a woman, but she did it. Mulan teaches us to ignore all social norms and gender roles. Do whatever you want to do. Don't let a mostly male profession scare you away from doing what you love.

(This was my dad and I's favorite movie. My dad loved teaching me I can kick a guys butt.)

I pointed out two lessons from two different Disney Princesses. That leaves 9 for you to do. I promise you there is multiple from each movie.

Don't decide the princesses need to entirely be removed from young girls lives — or my life for that matter. Simply look for the positive powerful lessons they can teach.

I am a strong, independent feminist and love my Disney Princesses.