Stepping Stones

There is no doubt about it that being an adolescent girl is tough. Girls have to navigate undeniable bodily changes. They are bombarded by the advertising and fashion world with body imagery that isn’t honest. On top of that they have to find their way through a labyrinth of trust issues and friendship. Add the rise in power of social media to the list of influences that infiltrate everyday life and you are looking at a very different landscape to the one that you probably grew up in.

My daughter is about to start secondary school and I wonder how different the experience will be for her in 2015 versus 1975.

If only she would listen this would be my advice.

1. Don’t judge people too quickly.
   
2. Look for the lesson in the things that don’t go your way.
   
3. Don’t run with the pack - be honest about your likes and dislikes and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
   
4. If you don’t know something ask and if you still don’t understand ask again.
   
5. Don’t rush to the finishing line - take time to stop, look and listen.
   
6. Find people who accept you as you are.
   
7. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
   
8. Embrace and celebrate your uniqueness and everyone else’s.
   
9. Make time to switch off from social media - to simply be yourself.

xXx