The majority of little girls spend their days practicing princess etiquette over a tea party with stuffed animals, but this Saturday they will have a chance to experience a real tea party.

A Mother-Daughter Tea will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Center. The event is free to attend for all girls and and mothers, or motherly figures, to share a day of tea, information and special moments.

“Everyone has someone in their lives who has been a positive influence who they may want to share this with,” said Franklin County Extension coordinator Katernia Cole-Coffey. “That might not be a biological mother. I think people in your life have an influence, and you need to honor that.”

Cole-Coffey said normally the event has been hosted in Lauderdale County, but this year the Extension decided to offer it in Franklin County for a change of scenery and to appeal to a different population.

Those in attendance will discuss topics relevant in a young girl’s life, such as self-esteem, bullying, etiquette, career development and college preparation.

“Really at any age, your children are not too young to try and figure out what they want to be when they grow up,” Cole-Coffey said.

Cole-Coffey said it is crucial for girls to understand the importance of educating themselves and taking pride in their career goals.

“You can be a princess, but you do not need a prince to take care of you,” Cole-Coffey said. 

Dorothy Brandon will speak on the importance of estate planning, and chemical engineer Andrea Hovater will speak on career development.

“The most important thing is education,” Cole-Coffey said. “It is so important to keep learning and continually educating yourself.”

The event is open to all ages and will include cookies and pastries, tea, crafts, princess books and door prizes. To reserve a spot, call 256-332-8880 by Thursday.