Secrets Girls Keep
Anorexia, abuse, sexual activity, fear of rejection…
Dangerous secrets girls keep and how to help
Girls love secrets. In many ways, teen girls are trapped by the cult of secrecy that exists today. It is as part of this cult that so many girls hide their depression, eating disorders, pregnancies, and sexual relationships.
Secrets Girls Keep: What Girls Hide (& Why) and How to Break the Stress of Silence (HCI Books, Nov 2009) by teen expert Carrie Silver-Stock, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., shows teens that when they help share their stories without judgment, they begin to break down the walls and ensure better and safer choices for their futures. Many girls today struggle with feelings of low confidence, loneliness, rejection, and depression and then look to unsafe sex, drugs and alcohol for comfort and answers.
Secrets Girls Keep shares the personal stories of other girls as they share their secrets, showing the reader that she is not alone in her struggles. Each chapter tackles a separate issue that is relevant to teenage girls today along with stories and seven tips they can use to overcome those issues. Silver-Stock helps girls think for themselves, explore their own feelings and gives them ways to open dialogue with parents, teachers and others. Topics include:
• Feel beautiful without going on a crash diet
• Navigate the ups and downs of dating
• Make and keep good friends
• Deal with school (the social scene and the grades)
• Handle funky family stuff
• Phone and Internet safety and social media
Silver-Stock is a mom of two and the founder of GirlsWithDreams.com. She is also the author of the award-winning book, The Powder Box Secrets. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
Secrets Girls Keep: What Girls Hide (& Why) and How to Break the Stress of Silence by Carrie Silver-Stock (HCI Books, Nov 2009, ISBN 978-0757313691, $14.95)
Calvin Klein, Sex Offender?
Calvin Klein has always pushed the envelope when it comes to advertising his jeans. But maybe this time he pushed past the boundaries of good taste and common sense. The age of his female model in his newest billboard plastered over five stories in New York, maybe under 18. If so, word is he could be brought up on charges. Even if his model is legal age to be photographed half nude, does that make this billboard OK?
Let’s overlook the whole It’s-a-bad-depiction-of-girls, blah, blah, blah and look closer. There are three guys in the picture, and one female. What’s the end of the story Mr. Klein is setting up? One could say topless cute girl is in charge and going to do what Ms. Lauper sings about, ” Girls just wanna have fun!” On the other hand, topless cute girl could be headed for a gang rape. That’s a blunt term isn’t it? Sends shivers down my spine.
We are just into the warm slow days of summer, but soon, girls and guys will be headed to college, many of them for the first time. Freshman year of college is a dangerous year for our teen daughters. Studies show that one out of four college girls will be sexually assaulted. Some older reports suggest that the first seven weeks of college are the most dangerous for girls and those weeks are just right around the corner Mom and Dad.
I’m not sure if Calvin Klein is a sex offender or just plain sexually offensive. His ad doesn’t make me want to run out and buy his jeans. It makes me want to warn parents of the dangers their daughters will soon face going to college. And going into high school for that matter. I know I should add Middle school to the list as well. Showing a half dressed girl sprawled on top of a half dressed guy, while kissing another guy, while yet another guy lays on the floor with his fly open, gives me the chills. The fact that the billboard is up for anyone to see, including young children, offends me. Do we really need girls looking at this picture and thinking hanging out topless with three guys is a safe and sane way to pass the time?
Have we stepped over the boundaries of decency to sell jeans to our teens? The comments and emails can start in 3, 2, 1…now! I’m all ears.
(Any parents with hands up in the air with questions regarding how to prepare your daughter for college, I see you. Jennifer@drjennforgirls.comget’s the answers. )
