Raising Girls: How To Help Your Daughters

Ever since I was the agony aunt of Just 17 magazine I have had an interest in the whole idea of how girls are raised.

Because I have a daughter myself, like many mums, I think about it a lot. After reading Raising Boys by psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’m happy hearing that he’s written a follow up Raising Girls (£12.99 Harper Collins). The idea of Raising Girls and how difficult it can be, is currently a hot topic of conversation at my daughter’s school. Mean girl behaviour raised its ugly head and thrown many mums into a tail-spin. Worrying about bullying and peer pressure. Alongside this I hear some of my daughter’s friends openly talk about their weight and looks. They copy adult behaviour, but it’s frightening to see.

Raising Girls Book

Thank goodness for this new book. All the sensible advice it contains. In an interview on Parent dish Biddulph states what we all need to hear when it comes to girls. He says “Don’t get into fashion or weight and don’t watch too much TV where she will learn girls are for decoration. They are not. They are people.” His words of wisdom on how to raise girls are simple but effective, have fun, make them feel secure and the part that I love the most nurture their spark.

Discovering your passion

This idea that all kids usually discover a passion or interest. That really makes them excited and happy to be alive. Helping your daughter find her spark be it animals, sport or art, says Biddulph, takes her away from the pressure of becoming obsessed with how she looks.

My own daughter

I see this work with my own daughter. She’s very inspired by CBBC’s Deadly 60 to the degree that she immersed herself in learning about animals. She now wants to work with animal charities, instead of being fixated on her appearance. I hope this ‘spark’ is something that she takes into her tween and teen years. Will help balance up what’s going to inevitably at some point affect her self belief. What do you think about the pressure young girls are under? Is raising girls this way the best way to safeguard them? Let us know your thoughts.

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