200 Ways to Raise a Girl's Self-Esteem

May 31, 1999
Anyone familiar with parenting books and magazines is aware that there has been a lot of buzz about research suggesting that self-confidence wanes in preadolescent girls. After watching his own daughter, "a tough little amazing wonderkid at the age of five," suddenly and completely "lose her moorings" by 12, Glennon began doing some research himself. The end result is this book, which resembles Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in its accessibility, brief entries and sincere tone. Glennon offers 200 short reflections on topics ranging from how parents can become good role models to talking about emotions and providing experiences for self-discovery and success. Following each essay are several exercises to put theory into practice--directed toward parents and teachers. At its best, the book nudges readers to talk about some things that may not have occurred to them, such as what advertising tells young girls and how to recognize sexual harassment. Many ideas, however, are obvious and impart simple bumper-sticker adages ("make the expression of love a daily habit," "celebrate milestones" and the woolly "invite her feelings into your world"). While Glennon can be preachy and repetitious (100 ways would have been sufficient), his heartfelt, helpful advice rings clear.