Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves

Journalist Rope (Strong as a Mother) outlines strategies to help parents and caregivers raise confident, empowered girls in this insightful guide. Rather than doling out one-size-fits-all advice for the array of issues impacting girls ages five to 12—including mental health, body image, and gender bias—Rope encourages open-ended discussions. For example, a parent whose young daughter has revealed that she has crushes on girls might ask, “What does that mean for you?” or “What do you like about girls?” Modeling healthy behaviors can help girls learn to sit with difficult emotions; verbally apologizing for missteps or acknowledging bad days (“I’m feeling irritable and tired”) can encourage children to do the same. When it comes to issues of identity, like navigating racism, ableism, or transphobia, Rope suggests affirming children for who they are and seeking out diverse communities to help them feel less alone. At every turn, Rope advocates for teaching children to listen to their own intuition; for instance, experts say that allowing kids to eat intuitively (rather than forcing or cajoling) can encourage lifelong healthy eating patterns. Rope’s belief in the potential of young girls and her compassion for their parents and caregivers shines through on every page. This comprehensive manual encourages and enlightens. (Oct.)