Girls on Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect [Paperback]

Molly Barker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2004

During adolescence, if a girl isn’t careful, she can fall into a trap called the Girl Box—a place where the way she looks is more important than who she is, where having a boyfriend is worth giving up a piece of her identity. This is a very serious problem, one that can lead to substance abuse, eating disorders, early sexual contact, and depression. Now Molly Barker, founder of the dynamic Girls on the Run® exercise program, has created a ten-week self-esteem-building plan that will instill resiliency in young girls and enhance their emotional, social, physical, mental, and spiritual health. The activities and lessons are designed for parents and girls to do together and include

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If you buy one book on parenting, make it this invaluable guide to building self-confidence, resiliency, and an independent, integrated life in our girls.”
—CELIA STRAUS, author of Prayers on My Pillow and
The Mother-Daughter Circle

“A brilliant and effective tool that works for all kinds of girls . . . A much-needed resource that helps girls and makes the world better for girls and boys.”
—JOE KELLY, president of Dads and Daughters
Author of Dads and Daughters:
How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your Daughter When She’s
Growing Up So Fast

“Intertwining running tips with psychological exercises on beauty, gossip, and emotion, Molly Barker reminds us all of the connections between the outer and the inner girl. In doing so, running becomes a metaphor, not of escape, but of strength, promise, and focus.”
—SHARON LAMB, author of The Secret Lives of Girls

From the Inside Flap

During adolescence, if a girl isn?t careful, she can fall into a trap called the Girl Box?a place where the way she looks is more important than who she is, where having a boyfriend is worth giving up a piece of her identity. This is a very serious problem, one that can lead to substance abuse, eating disorders, early sexual contact, and depression. Now Molly Barker, founder of the dynamic Girls on the Run® exercise program, has created a ten-week self-esteem-building plan that will instill resiliency in young girls and enhance their emotional, social, physical, mental, and spiritual health. The activities and lessons are designed for parents and girls to do together and include

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1 edition (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345456866
• ISBN-13: 978-0345456861
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring for parents and coaches, May 27, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Girls on Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect (Paperback)

This is a great book for parents of young girls and boys as well as anyone else who works with kids. On days when things are rough, reread the stories Molly tells to remind you that you are making a difference. Thanks Molly!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't have to be a runner to appreciate this book, November 16, 2008

By 

Redheaded Runner (Duvall, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girls on Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect (Paperback)

Written in a remarkably open and honest fashion, Girls on Track is filled with insight and personal stories that bring the book's lessons to life. Molly Barker's witty and down-to-earth language makes the book a hard one to put down. Reading it is very much like having her in the room with you, chatting over a cup of of decaf latte (or whatever your drink of choice is . . . ) or out for a conversational run. It is especially fun to read when you know what her beautiful Southern voice sounds like so you can imagine her reading it . . .

Filled with anecdotal stories from her childhood, her experiences as a mom, and of girls from the Girls on the Run program and the lessons they learned (and that Molly learned FROM them!), Molly examines the workings of weak and strong interpersonal relationships. She asks us to examine them from all angles and think about what we can do to strengthen and value communication between adults and kids so kids can strengthen their own skills with adults and their peers. These stories are the meat of the book and really bring the theory she presents to life.

This is really two books in one, as it includes a How-to section in the fifth chapter that provides a curriculum for mothers and daughters to experience together. The 10 week plan walks moms through growing and learning experiences, discussing emotions, health, beauty, beliefs, letting go, making amends, love and . . . you guessed it, physical fitness through running (and games!!).

I've talked with moms who have followed this journey with their daughters and they've been pleased with the experience. Even the moms who are non-runners looked forward to the time they spent with their girls on the lessons and surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed the running element, too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!!!! Hooked by page 3!!!, July 4, 2010

By 

Bea (Durham, NC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Girls on Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect (Paperback)

I am a mother of a 7 y.o. girl and 4 y.o. boy. I bought this book simply because I could see my daughter heading towards the pitfalls of the "girl box". I just searched for books about running and kids. I ordered it used and it was in pristine condition. I didn't read any reviews nor did I know who the author was. Imagine my surprise when I opened it and it was signed by the author. But it wasn't until page 2, that I realized what I had. Girls on the Run is a program that I so desperately want my daughter involved in but she's not of age yet. Admittedly, I haven't even finished the book yet but I am excited to have some of the same strategies to work with at home until she turns 8. Molly's story is so real and inspiring!! What she's done and is doing is nothing short of phenomenal. I am looking forward to the knowledge getting out of my girl box and helping my daughter never get in hers!!!! Thanks Molly!!!