Why Girls Are Different—and How to Help Them Grow up Happy and Strong
December 16, 2013
Psychologist Biddulph (Raising Boys) comes around to the other half of the parenting challenge by taking on the challenges most pressing to today’s girls: sexuality, bullying, weight and food issues, alcohol and drugs, and interacting online. His recommended parenting approach consists of close monitoring of media, friendships, and activities; being a good role model; mentorship by a trusted female adult (“auntie”); and serving as a loving mentor, but not an enabling friend. Biddulph sees the foundation for girl’s strong self-esteem and healthy sexuality as beginning in the earliest years. He offers a guide to girls’ psychological growth broken down by five stages: birth, where security needs come first; toddlerhood, where enjoyment of the world is paramount; the early school years, where people skills are learned; soul-searching preteen years; and the teen years of learning to navigate life responsibly and with purpose. In addition to giving general advice, Biddulph spends time on issues that affect girls disproportionately: the complex social hierarchies in female friendships, damaging media influence, and eating disorders. The book offers solid, compassionate advice for parents who want to teach their daughters to be empowered within a culture that can belittle them.