Youth Mentoring Proves Successful
Teens Offer Tween Girls & Mothers Advice on Body Image & Self Esteem
Sep 4, 2006
Sometimes youth mentoring is all that’s needed to help girls get on the right track. Teens can offer tween girls and mothers advice on issues like positive body image, self esteem help and personal empowerment to build the next generation of strong young women.
"Girls Rock! Just The Way We Are" was written by teenage girls who act as teen mentors in the organization's Girls Rock! Teen Mentors programs, a grassroots, non-profit organization based in Lexington, Kentucky.
They have emerged from their own battles with a profound intelligence and a deeper sense of self esteem. They have stepped into their position as role models with enthusiasm and are inspiring teens and mothers in the community.
The book is filled with pictures of the young women from their childhood, presently, and working in the community. It begins with letters from the mentors to teen girls and mothers, who they share their struggles with. The letters are motivating and positive, leaving us with the impression that life really is better when we give up the narrow stereotypes of our culture.
Section 1 is meant to be read aloud between mother and daughter, encouraging strong relationships and a way for parents to connect with their teenaged daughters. There are also question and answer snippets with the organization's Professional Health Team after each letter.
Section 2 is filled with letters from the Teen Mentors to their mothers, which are meant for parents to read privately for a better understanding of their daughters. Throughout the pages are activities for readers to do that build on the philosophy that "true health is based on nutritional, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Maintaining balance is what makes us beautiful."
The book ends with an afterward from the teenagers that offers an insightful and poignant account of their own advice while still living through their adolescence. These letters are written as mothers to their future daughters and expresses how great it is to be female.
There are also profiles of all of the Teen Mentors, as well as the Professional Health Team, which the author's wrote themselves about who they are and why they chose to be a Teen Mentor.
"Girls Rock! Just The Way We Are" is a wonderful book for both parents and young women to read and participate in the activities. The focus is on positive thinking and using your energy to make a difference. If all young people were to learn from these amazing youth mentors, what a remarkable world we would live in. A world, I am certain, with less Eating Disorders and body dissatisfaction.
You can purchase the book on-line through Lulu Publishing.
More information about the Girls Rock!: Self-Esteem, Healthy Body Image and Empowerment for Pre-Teen Girls and Moms organization.
