Growing Up Female in America
What can be done to protect girls at this particularly vulnerable age?
As hormones surge,
adolescents and their bodeis are changing. They begin to pull away from their parents. This is a time when girls need their parents’ support but often reject it. It is essential that parents remain a support system because the key is to provide support before a girl becomes addicted, depressed or promiscuous
The work of nationally known
psychologist and author Mary Pipher is a guidepost for helping girls grow
into healthy womanhood. Pipher recommends that girls be taught to arm
themselves with knowledge so they can fight back. "With insight into
the impact our culture has on their growth and development, girls learn
that they can make conscious choices," Pipher says. "Intelligent
resistance keeps the true self alive."
In addition to following expert advice, parents can also exert
great influence by creating a home that offers both affection and
structure. Parents should send the message "I love you, but I have
expectations." A girl's love and respect for her parents can keep
her life on track during adolescence and beyond.
Parenting Tips 
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