Michael
Gurian, whose national bestseller The Wonder of Boys
presented a radical and enlightening view of parenting sons, now offers
a groundbreaking approach to raising daughters. In The Wonder
of Girls, Gurian,
himself the father of two girls, provides crucial information for fully
understanding the basic nature of girls: up-to-date scientific research
on female biology, hormones, and brain development and how they shape
girls’ interests, behavior, and relationships.
He also offers insight into a culture mired in competition between
traditionalism and feminism and a new vision that provides for the
equal status of girls and women yet acknowledges their nature as
complex and distinct from men. He explains what is “normal” for girls
each year from birth to age 20; what developmental needs girls face in
each stage; how to communicate effectively with girls; and how to cope
with developmental crises such as early sexuality, eating disorders,
parental divorce, and more.
With personal insights, practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and
accessible science, The Wonder of Girls creates a new parenting
paradigm. Key elements include:
- a nature-based approach to why girls are the way they are
- the connection between the need for profound attachment and
the physical and brain development of girls
- support for a girl’s inherent need for intimacy
- tools to protect girls’ self-esteem and emotional life
- a new approach to girls’ character development and rites of
passage.
THE WONDER OF GIRLS is a revolutionary approach to raising girls that
combines groundbreaking biological research with practical parenting
advice.
Bestselling author
Michael
Gurian debunks long-standing myths about girls and
helps parents get to know their daughters from the inside (brain,
hormones, physiological development) out. Understanding the
developmental stages of basic female nature will help parents find the
answers to common questions, such as:
- how can I provide the best discipline for my daughter
without crushing her independence or self-esteem?
- how much backtalk should I allow from my daughter?
- how do I help my daughter get through my divorce?
- how can I help my daughter handle her own feelings and
emotions on a daily basis?
"Finally, a sensitive and scientifically knowledgeable
writer has given us a book on girls. Gurian's engrossing book, THE
WONDER OF GIRLS, is important not only for parents, but for anyone who
cares for, educates, or makes policy affecting the lives of girls and
women."
— Christina Hoff Sommers, author of Who Stole Feminism?
"In THE WONDER OF GIRLS,
Michael
Gurian has given us a gift, an exciting book that
parents of daughters will consult over and over again. Gurian
leads us in a new direction as he challenges parents to understand and
value our daughters' desire for attachment. Women will
recognize themselves as well as their daughters in this
thought-provoking book. Bravo, Michael!"
— Ann F. Caron, author of Don't Stop Loving Men
"I found the THE WONDER OF GIRLS a wonderful addition to the
literature already available on raising girls. What I liked best was
its constant correlation of developing biology in women to their
psychological struggles, giving the authenticity that is sorely needed.
Not only that, it gives parents and professionals alike a new framework
to understand girls’ development from a multi-perspective. I also
especially liked how it provided concrete ways that fathers and mothers
could understand their daughters’ progress through different stages,
and to understand that their lives are a progression along with brain
development capacities. I heartily endorse this new balanced way to
understand how wonderful the capacities of girls and women are, and so
vital to the nurturing of their infants, families and society.
Bravo!"
— Deborah Sichel, M.D., author of Women's Moods: What Every
Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional
Health
"In THE WONDER OF GIRLS, therapist
Gurian probes
the unique aspects of girls' emotional, social and physical development
in a follow-up to his bestselling THE WONDER OF BOYS. He
urges parents to use a new model in raising girls (he calls it
"Womanism") in which girls establish a three-family system (the nuclear
family, the extended family and institutions such as church and school)
that will meet their need for intimate
relationships.
Gurian's arguments
(will ) stir controversy and inspire thought."
— Publisher's Weekly
Gurian's attention
to the physiology of how girls develop is tapping into a growing field
among researchers...The Wonder of Girls has won universal
praise for
Gurian's focus
on the importance of maintaining personal connections with girls.
— Chicago Sun Times
"I was grateful to get to the advice section
of The Wonder of Girls, which categorizes girls by
age...wonderfully useful advice....Gurian is at his best when it comes
to the nuts and bolts of rearing a daughter."
— The Los Angeles Times
"In THE WONDER OF GIRLS, Michael Gurian has written an eminently
sensible book."
— The Daily Telegraph (London)
(THE WONDER OF GIRLS) is explosive, bound to be controversial, a powder
keg...
Gurian raises
interesting questions."
— USA TODAY
"The WONDER OF GIRLS is...an excellent choice."
— Library Journal
"
Michael
Gurian shares intriguing insights in THE WONDER OF
GIRLS."
— Seattle Times
