A parenting expert reveals the four biggest threats to girls' psychological growth and explains how parents can help their daughters develop a healthy sense of self. In Girls on the Edge, psychologist and physician Leonard Sax argues that many girls today have a brittle sense of self-they may look confident and strong on the outside, but they're fragile within. Sax offers the tools we need to help them become independent and confident women, and provides parents with practical tips on everything from helping their daughter limit her time on social media, to choosing a sport, to nurturing her spirit through female-centered activities. Compelling and inspiring, Girls on the Edge points the way to a new future for today's girls and young women.
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"I rushed through this book, partly because I had the Boys Adrift book to read also and I checked them out from the library, but also because I couldn't seem to learn all he had to say fast enough. Throughout my reading, the thought that kept coming to mind was, "It is so important that I read this now!" We all want our girls to grow up healthy and with great self esteem and habits. I thought his commentaries on the world we live in and what it is doing to our girls was spot on. I was very surprised in the 4th chapter, Endocrine Disruptors, and the possible side-effects of all the plastic/petroleum products we use--from water bottles to lotions. I am not convinced enough yet to make drastic changes, but interested to find out more and make adjustments along the way. (Switching to glass "tupperware" and stainless steel water bottles as my start.) I wish I took more notes while reading this, but I have a feeling I will be buying all three of his books soon and marking them up for future reference."
— Teresa (5 out of 5 stars)
“Packed with advice and concrete suggestions for parents, Girls on the Edge is a treasure trove of rarely seen research on girls, offering families guidance on some of the most pressing issues facing girls today. Dr. Sax’s commitment to girls’ success comes through on every page.”
— Rachel Simmons, #1 New York Times bestselling author“The best book about the current state of girls and young women in America.”
— The Atlantic“Crucial…Parents of tween and teen girls would do well to check this book.”
— Chronicle of Higher Education“Girls on the Edge doesn’t dramatize the self-destructive behavior it describes…[and it] speaks exclusively to parents and offers concrete ways to help their daughters cultivate stronger personal identities.”
— Slate“This is essential reading for parents and teachers and one of the most thought-provoking books on teen development available.”
— Library Journal" This author has it right in my opinion. A must read for anyone with daughters. "
— Tammy, 2/17/2014" Fascinating look at the environmental and social issues that girls are facing today. I would definitely recommend this book. "
— Kambree, 2/16/2014" This book made me really think about what my girls are exposed to at all angles. I HIGHLY recommend this book if you have a daughter. The enviromental toxins and cyberbubble were really eye-opening for me. "
— Angela, 2/10/2014" Another solid book by Dr. Sax who specializes in how boys and girls develop and learn differently during their childhood. This book is similar to "Boys Adrift" except for girls. In this book, Dr. Sax explains how elements of modern society including sexualization of girls, cyber connectivity, obsessions and plastics interfere with their healthy physical and mental development. The book contains some practical suggestions to counteract these negative influences. I feel better prepared having read this book, but worry that societal changes create a very unhealthy environment in which to grow up. While I prefer "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" by Mary Meeker for this genre, one cannot go wrong by reading this book before your daughter becomes a teen. "
— Marcus, 2/9/2014" MUST READ.....If you are a parent of a tween/teen girl. "
— Swapna, 2/5/2014" Another book by Sax. This book infuriated me because it hit on so many things that drive me crazy about our society and the uber-sex focus from everywhere aimed at girls. Both Sax books I would recommend to teachers or people who have kids. Even if you don't agree with him, it makes you think. "
— Marin, 1/20/2014" I learned a lot from this book! "
— cmeiers, 1/10/2014" A must read for anyone with daughters, or works with teenaged girls. "
— Deanna, 12/29/2013" If you have a daughter under the age of 18, this is a MUST read book. Very insightful information. Very current, too. It is certainly going to change how I raise my daughter! "
— Rob, 12/27/2013" One stop shop for some information on your daughters and their coming challenges. I listened to this on audio. Not sure if this is completely accurate but it seems to give a clinical analysis of girls issues. "
— Sam, 12/12/2013" I loved all three of his books, and so glad I read them while my kids are still young. "
— Melanie, 12/6/2013" Everyone should read this book. It identified - clearly - the major crises facing young girls and women today. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! "
— Sacha, 12/5/2013" Wonderful book. Made me think. It will change the way I raise my daughter. "
— Allison, 12/2/2013" Wrote review in other posting of this book "
— Devinne, 7/11/2013" Frightening but spot-on. Really enjoyed it. Gives me some better perspective on what modern girls experience--much more "in your face" culture and behavior than I experienced at the same age. "
— Nic, 7/4/2013" Insightful and thought provoking reading for parents of girls of all ages. "
— Jo, 9/8/2012" I really liked Leonard Sax' book "Boys Adrift", and seeing this one, check it out and thought it pretty good as well. I would definitely recommend his books to parents, I think they contain lots of good information "
— John, 9/6/2012" I loved this book, but probably a tiny bit less than his other books. Still definitely worth adding to my personal library someday. Everyone who has daughters or works with teenage girls should read this. "
— Christie, 8/16/2012" This was part of my research into solutions to student anxiety. Some very insightful conclusions. Agreed with the part about co-ruminating. ( the natter makes things worse) Some very simplistic and naive solutions. ( almost 1950's-ish) "
— Pat, 3/29/2012" A must read for parents of young girls - very practical advise and insightful views. "
— Cindy, 3/12/2012" A must read for any parent of girls. Just know that it is pretty descriptive at some points. "
— Rachel, 3/6/2012" Surprising conclusion at the end of the book: teenage girls need first of all some spiritual development. "
— Bernard, 2/19/2012" Must read for every parent of girls! "
— Amanda, 12/11/2011" Read it to learn more about the "tween" age, as I was doing a project for school. Very good read. "
— Lauren, 9/7/2011" A must read for parents of young girls who want to educate themselves on the issues and challenges facing women growing up in today's culture. Very thought provoking & full of valuable information. "
— Becky, 7/27/2011" This book should be required reading for anyone trying to raise a girl. It gave me some good ideas on what to say, what not to say, and what to watch for in teenage girls (and younger). "
— Amy, 7/23/2011" A must read if you have girls. (Checked out from the local library) "
— Stacy, 6/11/2011" If you read Boys Adrift, Girls on the Edge, and Gender Matters, you get a little repetition. This is such a great book to help raise a happy and healthy daughter. I'm glad I read it. "
— Melissa, 5/4/2011" I really liked Leonard Sax' book "Boys Adrift", and seeing this one, check it out and thought it pretty good as well. I would definitely recommend his books to parents, I think they contain lots of good information<br/> "
— John, 4/30/2011" Frightenly good. Well written and easy to read. It would be nice if this was required reading for all educators, coaches, and parents. "
— Emma, 1/31/2011" Amazing book for anyone w/ daughters. He has another, BOYS ADRIFT, about raising boys. "
— Leslie, 1/21/2011" I learned a lot from this book! "
— cmeiers, 1/10/2011" Wrote review in other posting of this book "
— Devinne, 10/26/2010" Good book concerning the threats that girls VCR growing up. It was especially intestine since my sister is going through that age now and I already have so it was interesting looking at what might be some underlying causing in our behaviors. "
— Devinne, 10/26/2010" Frightening but spot-on. Really enjoyed it. Gives me some better perspective on what modern girls experience--much more "in your face" culture and behavior than I experienced at the same age. "
— Nic, 9/3/2010" A must read for parents of young girls who want to educate themselves on the issues and challenges facing women growing up in today's culture. Very thought provoking & full of valuable information. "
— Becky, 8/25/2010" This book makes me glad that I'm not raising a daughter today. There's so much more to deal with. This is a must read for those parenting and educating girls. The companion book "Boys at Risk" promises guidance for parenting and educating boys. "
— Lynn, 8/21/2010" Fascinating look at the environmental and social issues that girls are facing today. I would definitely recommend this book. "
— Kambree, 8/11/2010" A must read for parents of young girls - very practical advise and insightful views. "
— Cindy, 8/3/2010Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing family physician, a PhD psychologist, and a speaker for community groups, schools, and professional organizations. His scholarly work has been published in a wide variety of journals including American Psychologist, Annals of Family Medicine, Behavioral Neuroscience, Environmental Health Perspectives, and the Journal of the American Medical Association. He has been a featured guest on CNN, PBS, The TODAY Show, Fox News, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and many other national programs. He lives with his wife and daughter in suburban Philadelphia.