Yes, that’s exactly what the Girls’ Schools Association thinks. According to the president of their association Dr Helen Wright, parents are increasingly turning to school for advice and wisdom.
She says, “Parents are particularly anxious about raising daughters as there are greater pressures on girls, “and continues that “There are social pressures in terms of celebrity culture, for instance, or their appearance, or the conflict women have about their role in life.”
Alcohol, sexual relationship, drugs, piercing and tattoo, social networking and the internet are the issues which parents thinks they need support and guidance.
A book written by the head teachers and staff from more than 200 leading girls’ schools with the title ‘Your daughter: a Guide for Raising Girls’ will be a torch for good parenting and tackle all the subject which worries the parents.
I think we live in a time where marketing leads the sexualisation of children by a consumer led society. Girls young as age five can’t find more old – fashioned frilly frocks but plenty of miniskirts and short crop tops. And not surprisingly all the Barbie dolls are dressed in miniskirts as well.
Clothing, toys and adverts are shaping a child’s gender identity and values in the wrong way and we can see the consequences of the sexualisation of girls in media today are very real. Unfortunately this all is a negative influence on girls’ healthy development and a link to the rise in under-age sex.
Therefore I think sometimes raising daughters can be daunting but with understanding the issues and with and with the help and support of the school, parents can find a good way of negotiating their way, though minefield of issues.
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Semra Eren-Nijhar 