Hains details strengths and limitations in commercialized girl power's handling of preadolescent body image, gender identity, sexism, and racism.
[9] The Princess Problem was the subject of significant media attention, including a double segment on The Meredith Vieira Show.
[10][11] Publishers Weekly's review states that the book dissects "princess marketing, reveals inherent gender stereotypes, [and] adds to the discussion with these practical parenting tips.
"[16] Hains has also written articles on media culture for publications such as The Washington Post,[17] The Christian Science Monitor,[18] and The Boston Globe.
Her critical perspective on media representation of girls and women, as well as gender stereotypes on screen and in children's toys, have been reported on in major publications, news programs, and radio broadcasts.
[2] Hains received a 2023–2024 Fulbright award to teach at Jagiellonian University in Poland,[53][54] where she also "explore[d] the global impact of American media internationally".