Girls Love Marvel Too: Superheroes aren't just for boys

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My daughter just turned 10.  She loves all thinks pink, sticker books, Frozen, cute clothes and earrings, and Bath and Body Works, things marketed to girls.  But, she also loves science, robotics, Minecraft, and superheroes-- all things generally marketed towards boys.
With the impending release of the new movie, MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron, I thought this would be a great time to talk about how we parents can help overcome the marketing blitz that teaches us certain things belong to "boys" or to "girls".

I talked to my daughter about The Avengers.  When they first came out, she was like a lot of girls and said it was a "boy" movie and she wasn't interested in seeing it.  But since she has two brothers, she was OUTVOTED and we went to see it.  
Guess what--she loved it! 
Now, she's not old enough to like it because the boys are good-looking or because she has a crush on RDJ.  (What? You don't?)  No, she liked the movie because it was awesome!  Not only are there two strong female characters, Black Widow and Agent Maria Hill, but each of The Avengers represents a value that is important to my daughter.
In her words: Captain America:  "He is always brave and a cool supersoldier." Thor:  "He protects others from getting hurt" Hulk/Bruce Banner:  "He's really smart and a scientist" Iron Man:  "He's funny and a really smart scientist too" Hawkeye:  "He saves his friends" Black Widow: "She can trick everyone and she's a good fighter"
It's important that we as parents teach our daughters that there aren't "girl" things and "boy" things- there are just things, whether that be toys, interests, or even careers.  When your daughter knows all things are open to her, she will grow up to be a woman who can and will do anything!

When your daughter knows all things are open to her, she will grow up to be a woman who can and will do anything! #mightygirls
— Occasionally Crafty (@ocrafty) April 15, 2015

I purchased a few items at Walmart for my daughter so that she can be a superhero in our backyard. 

There were so many to choose from, so I went with Hawkeye's crossbow (with foam darts) and a flying version of her favorite Avenger, Captain America.  I can't wait to see her battle as an Avenger with her brothers.

You can also download the Super Heroes Assemble app,  available in the iTunes and Google Play store.  
My kids are so excited for MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron.  That means a re-watch of the first movie, which we own, was in order.  I hit up Walmart to stock up on some The Avengers-themed food, lazy-mom style.   I bought some movie snacks- The Avengers-themed Doritos and Kellog's Cheese-its, and then bought some The Avengers cereal to make into a snack. 

As we watched the movie, we made these delicious cereal treats. 

You need the following ingredients: 4 cups The Avengers Cereal 4 cups Golden Grahams 1 cup Karo syrup 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup butter or margarine Mix syrup, brown sugar, and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently.

While sauce is simmering, combine The Avengers cereal and Golden Grahams in a large bowl.  Stir to mix well. When syrup is finished simmering, it should be thick like pancake syrup.  Carefully pour it over your cereal, stirring as you add it.  You may not need all the syrup. Lay the cereal treat out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight, or place in the fridge for an hour or so.  Break off in chunks and serve.  Keep leftovers in an airtight container.

   

Be sure to check out all the MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron merchandise at Walmart the next time you stop by.  Which superhero is your daughter's favorite?