Parents' Guide to

Sofia the First

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Spunky, well-rounded princess celebrates individuality.

TV Disney Channel, Disney Junior Kids' Animation 2012
Sofia the First Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 4+

Based on 39 parent reviews

Happymomma2
Happymomma2 Adult
May 15, 2021
age 7+

Not appropriate for young kids

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.
4 people found this helpful.
Kalamitykim
Kalamitykim Adult
October 26, 2020
age 2+

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.
3 people found this helpful.
See all 39 parent reviews

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (39):
Kids say (90):

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?

  • How do the characters in Sofia the First demonstrate compassion and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

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