In this Queen Bees and Wannabes for the elementary school set, child and adolescent psychotherapist Katie Hurley shows parents of young girls how to nip mean girl behavior in the bud. Once upon a time, mean girls primarily existed in middle and high school, while elementary school-aged girls spent hours at play and enjoyed friendships without much drama. But in this fast-paced world where young girls are exposed to negative behaviors on TV and social media from the moment they enter school, they are also becoming caught up in social hierarchies much earlier. No More Mean Girls is a guide for parents to help their young daughters navigate tricky territories such as friendship building, creating an authentic self, standing up for themselves and others, and expressing themselves in a healthy way. The need to be liked by others certainly isn't a new concept, but this generation of girls is growing up in an age when the "like" button shows the world just how well-liked they are. When girls acknowledge that they possess positive traits that make them interesting, strong, and likeable, however, the focus shifts and their self-confidence soars; "likes" lose their importance. This book offers actionable steps to help parents empower young girls to be kind, confident leaders who work together and build each other up. Reviews: "No More Mean Girls is a veritable treasure chest of ways to help you help girls learn to love themselves, realize their talents, get along and empathize with others, find their inner courage, and lead more successful and fulfilled lives. Katie's ideas are based on sound child development theory and proven research, and designed to be used with your daughter. The fact is, this may well be the only book you will need to raise great girls." —from the foreword by Michele Borba, EdD, bestselling author of Unselfie and The Big Book of Parenting Solutions "Katie Hurley’s No More Mean Girls will be an oft-referenced book on my shelf because Hurley’s expertise goes beyond the academic. Hurley has real, practical experience working with girls, and their words are one of the most valuable parts of this book. Hurley’s practical advice is a boon to any parent who hopes to ease a daughter through the challenging terrain of childhood and adolescence, particularly when that childhood is lived in the harsh spotlight of social media. This book will definitely be on my list of most recommended books for parents and teachers." —Jessica Lahey, New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure "In No More Mean Girls, Katie Hurley does the impossible—she takes the mystery and angst out of parenting a teen girl by thoughtfully illuminating her thoughts and experiences. With practical language and relatable anecdotes, Katie offers real compassion for the parent and teen that covers tough subjects, common stressors, and points of conflict. No More Mean Girls is not just a guide to raising healthy, independent, and capable women, it's a light toward a brighter future for us all. I hope this book reaches the hands of every parent, teacher, coach, mentor, and individual who plays a role in helping girls grow and thrive in today’s world." —Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama, Hands Free Life, and Only Love Today “The landscape of girlhood is constantly changing, and even the youngest girls are tasked with learning how to navigate tricky social situations and emotional upheaval. No More Mean Girls provides practical, research-based tips for raising strong, confident, and compassionate girls. A must-read for parents and educators!” —Amy McCready, author of The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic "There has never been a better time or more need for No More Mean Girls than now. As a parenting author, mother of a daughter, and survivor of the mean girl scene myself, I found this book so insightful, helpful, and enlightening. Based on many years of Katie’s professional experience, along with extensive proven research, she gives practical examples of how parents can work together with their daughters to help them navigate their life’s journey through this challenging time. If you want your daughter to love herself more, get along well with others and empathize while respecting her own boundaries, and just generally be more fulfilled, strong, and settled in herself, I can’t recommend this book enough. I only wish it had been around sooner!" —Jessica Joelle Alexander, coauthor of The Danish Way of Parenting "No More Mean Girls is an essential guide for parents and educators who want to empower girls to build each other up, lead with integrity, learn to work through their own stumbling blocks, and finally put to rest the 'mean girl' narrative that pulls girls down. Filled with compassion and practical strategies, this book focuses on helping girls find their true voices.” —Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, coauthor of Growing Friendships "More than ever, in our culture of cruelty, not only in our schools and communities, but where kids (especially girls) spend a majority of their time—online, they are faced with complicated issues that didn't exist in generations prior. Katie Hurley brilliantly provides parents (and adults) this reassuring guide that offers both practical tips and real life scenarios to help you help your child navigate the world with confidence and compassion as the grow. No More Mean Girls is the beginning of hope for a kinder and empathic generation." —Sue Scheff, author of Shame Nation: The Global Epidemic of Online Hate About the Author: Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer. She is the founder of "Girls Can!" empowerment groups for girls between ages 5-11. Hurley is also the author of The Happy Kid Handbook, and her work can be found in The Washington Post, PBS Parents, and US News and World Report, among other places. She practices psychotherapy in the South Bay area of Los Angeles and earned her BA in psychology and women's studies from Boston College and her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and coastal Connecticut with her husband and two children. |