Supporting A Child to Find Her Voice

In "Helping Your Child Find Her Voice," parent Andrew Leonard recounts the experience of his middle-school daughter reporting harassment by boys at school--asking her if she knows "where the tampon goes." His daughter was very uncomfortable with the harassment. Although Andrew and his daughter Tiana were reluctant to make waves about it, Tiana's mother Jeni persuaded them that it was very important to report the incident and enlist the support of the principal Rebecca Cheung. When Andrew heard Cheung's approach, he was very resistant. Cheung recommended that Tiana and the boys meet in her office and Tiana tell the boys how she felt about what they said. Although reluctant, Tiana and her parents decided to give it a try. Upon reflection, Andrew believes that Tiana speaking up for herself, particularly in the middle school years, was extremely important in contributing to her confidence and self-advocacy.

Support your daughter (11-15 years old) in finding her voice, encourage her to take IMPACT for Girls, August 19 and 20, 10 am - 2 pm, Perpetual Motion Studio, 4057 N. Damen Ave Chicago IL 60618. For more information or to register, www.impactchicago.org or info@impactchicago.org

You can read the original article here.