From Publishers Weekly
In addressing the question of how mothers can help their daughters shape successful futures, lecturer and workshop leader Marone (How to Father a Successful Daughter) draws heavily from recent research indicating that girls' self-esteem tends to plummet during adolescence. Happily, she takes the topic a step further, discussing what mothers can do to counteract the many cultural messages that belittle girls. Her premise?that mothers can be positive role models by exhibiting and helping their daughters to develop mastery skills?is sound, and her definition of "success" is flexible and undogmatic, based upon individual goals. She urges mothers to examine their own traits of "learned helplessness" and to set about becoming positive role model/mentors. While much of Marone's advice is savvy and useful, some suggestions may require special sensitivity to a child's current attachments, e.g., criticizing Barbie or poking fun at the romance novels that may absorb an adolescent. Still, many of her ideas, such as encouraging girls in math and science, learning new skills together such as in-line skating or playing backgammon, and keeping fathers involved in girls' lives, though not new, will be useful for mothers grappling with the problems of raising girls in today's world.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Psychologist and family columnist Bassoff (Between Mothers and Sons, LJ 9/1/94) centers on treasuring our daughters for whom they are. She offers advice and wisdom on the many facets of parenting a daughter, including issues of respect, support, pressure, nurturing, and wholeness. She argues that infants and mothers need to be together, that even the most devoted mothers are imperfect, and that simple kindness can do wonders. Her writing is full of anecdotes, stories, folklore, and literary references, making for easy, uplifting, and yes-I-can reading. Marone (How To Father a Successful Daughter, LJ 10/15/87) is a bit more learned and a little less warm and fuzzy than Bassoff. She argues that we have led ourselves down the wrong road by promoting self-esteem at all costs. Instead, our daughters must be taught to be mastery-oriented. Marone gives specifics on how to control media hype (e.g., exposure to Donna Reed-like moms) and how to deal with cultural stereotypes (e.g., Barbie) in a positive way. She rails against using constant praise with daughters, who need to feel capable and confident without superficial pats on the back. This book is more age-specific than the first, dealing with preschool girls through upper teens, and uses solid research to back the ideas presented. Both books are worthwhile additions to public libraries, though smaller collections that can afford only one book should choose Marone.?Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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