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Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls-Sexual Identity, the Cyberbubble, Obsessions, Environmental Toxins
by
Leonard Sax
Girls are cutting themselves with razors. Girls are convinced they’re fat, and starve themselves to prove it. Other girls are so anxious about grades they can’t sleep at night—at eleven years of age. What’s going on? In Girls on the Edge, Dr. Leonard Sax provides the answers. He shares stories of girls who look confident and strong on the outside, but are fragile within. H...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
April 27th 2010
by Basic Books
(first published April 1st 2010)
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Interesting book, but I didn't learn anything new. Most of it is common sense. Girls are different than boys. Right-o. Heard this many a time. But in a way he's almost reinforcing the stereotypes, even though he's meaning not too. Keep the computers out of their rooms - check. Monitor their cell phone use - check. His mean girls assessment was a little off the mark, unrealistic mainly, and truly if you've never been female, that's a hard one to really understand. But I could tell he meant well o...more
Since reading “Queen Bees and Wannabes,” which eventually inspired the movie “Mean Girls,” I have been particularly fascinated with the culture of teen girls, and how it doesn’t really end once the high schoolers go off to college. In this particular book, physician and psychologist Leonard Sax, who previously penned a similar book about boys, examines what he believes are four factors impacting the current society in which girls are growing up. These are sexual identity, the cyberbubble, obsess...more
*A new kind of help for a new kind of crisis*
While the technology of today offers countless advances in how we live our daily lives, it also results in never-before-encountered challenges and stressors that threaten the livelihood and futures of young women. In his book _Girls On the Edge_, Leonard Sax identifies the four key factors that are creating what he terms the "new crisis for girls." These factors include:
1. Sexual identity--young girls are acting sexual before they even are sexual, and...more
While the technology of today offers countless advances in how we live our daily lives, it also results in never-before-encountered challenges and stressors that threaten the livelihood and futures of young women. In his book _Girls On the Edge_, Leonard Sax identifies the four key factors that are creating what he terms the "new crisis for girls." These factors include:
1. Sexual identity--young girls are acting sexual before they even are sexual, and...more
Girls today have far greater opportunities than their grandmothers had and therefore they have every chance for a very fulfilling life, one in which they can attain their potential. Yet, more girls are “on the edge”, why? Leonard Sax explores the possible reasons why our young daughters are not as happy and adjusted as we want them to be. Could it be the early sexualisation of girls? Could it be technology which keeps them connected 24*7 to their friends preventing them from being connected to t...more
Some of this book covers very familiar territory. BPA in plastics of all kinds are influencing our bodies is scary and unknowable ways, and sadly kids are getting more of it even than adults. In my house, I recently tossed all the crappy mismatched plastic containers used by my wife and asked her to start using only glass and ceramic for microwave warming.
This book notes that now puberty for girls at age 8 is not considered unusual, and in fact may be traceable to the drop in breast feeding amo...more
This book notes that now puberty for girls at age 8 is not considered unusual, and in fact may be traceable to the drop in breast feeding amo...more
I rarely read parenting books, but the subtitle on this one caught my eye. I thought I would read it, then, if it was good, suggest it to my husband, because our daughter will be thirteen in a couple weeks. Not only did I give it to him to read, I promptly began recommending it to friends with younger daughters.
The four factors were not ones I have not heard about or considered on my own, but Sax presents them very well, and the extent of some of the issues was truly beyond what I had imagined....more
The four factors were not ones I have not heard about or considered on my own, but Sax presents them very well, and the extent of some of the issues was truly beyond what I had imagined....more
After addressing four main factors of the modern crises for girls (sexual identity, the cyberbubble, obsessions and environmental toxins), the author looks at solutions from the perspectives of mind, body and spirit. The flow of the solutions part of the book was different than that of the first half, but still I thought both sections of the book were useful. In terms of defining the problems for some tween and teen girls, the author noted initially that hard-working girls with drive and motivat...more
Author Leonard Sax delves into the very modern realities of raising daughters in the present landscape, one that is tremendously different from our own youth and is continuously evolving. Of course it is quite timely for me as I navigate the terrain of 4- and 7-year old daughters, however, it is is an extremely informative book for just about anyone to read, illuminating much about themselves and their relationships. The book covers the expected, like over-sexualization of young girls and cyber...more
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Just like Dr. Sax's book about boys, I think this one should be a must read for parents of girls. I think the research is fascinating and a little scary. This book, like the boys book reconfirmed my appreciation for the youth organizations of the Church that provide the community of men and women that kids need for support and growth and learning. Girls compared to boys not surprisingly seem to be more mysterious creatures. The problems and solutions are a little more abstract for the girls than...more
This was a frightening book about some of the challenges that girls face in our modern society and some of the pitfalls they can fall into. Like his other book, Boys Adrift, I though Leonard Sax had some interesting insights and warnings that parents should look for in their children. A lot of it boiled down to the need to help your daughter develop a full, deep sense of self so that she won't spend her adolescence "performing" for others or living in a very shallow and unfulfilling way. He argu...more
I could not decide between a 3 or a 4 so 3.5 rating for this book. This was a very interesting book. Some of the information and research he provided I really like and if I had a daughter I would utilize some of his ideas. Others I felt the research backing them was weak and he did not sway me to his ideas. For example I loved the chapter Body, because it talks about exercise, bone density, which sports are safest for girls, and how a girls body is different from a boys. For instance I girls kne...more
If you are looking for something that will open your eyes and challenge your thinking about girls today this just might be it.
If you are a pastor, teacher, youth worker and anything that deals with girls and you would like to understand them a bit better this might just push you our of your comfort zone.
There is great help here to help you understand these girls in your life. The first half of the book deals with sexual idenity, the cyberbubble, obsessions, and environmental toxins. The second...more
If you are a pastor, teacher, youth worker and anything that deals with girls and you would like to understand them a bit better this might just push you our of your comfort zone.
There is great help here to help you understand these girls in your life. The first half of the book deals with sexual idenity, the cyberbubble, obsessions, and environmental toxins. The second...more
A really, really good read. I devoured this book. I didn't realize it at the time, but I have read another of his books - 'Why Gender Matters'. I came away with an understanding of some of the problems that face girls today. What I also understood is how inspired the 'For Strength of Youth', 'Personal Progress', and the whole Young Women's program really is. It really sets girls apart and can strengthen them in this day and age. I also felt vindicated because the doctor/author said we should hav...more
Another solid book by Dr. Sax who specializes in how boys and girls develop and learn differently during their childhood. This book is similar to "Boys Adrift" except for girls. In this book, Dr. Sax explains how elements of modern society including sexualization of girls, cyber connectivity, obsessions and plastics interfere with their healthy physical and mental development. The book contains some practical suggestions to counteract these negative influences. I feel better prepared having read...more
4.5 stars. An excellent analysis of real-world problems facing girls today. The chapter about girls who live in a cyber-bubble was especially intriguing. Dr. Sax's explanations validated my feelings of reservation as it pertains to so many areas that distress me in regards to my own daughter. Early sexualization of girls; technology which keeps them connected 24*7 to their friends (and prevents them from being connected to their true selves); technology like social media that forces them to pres...more
this book is probably more like 3.5 to 3.75 for me. I liked a lot of the insights, and I liked all the clinical data he had to support this ideas. There were a ton of things I agreed with, lots of suggestions I want to implement, but there were several points I don't buy into. Most of it is related to my religious beliefs. I understand the perspective he is coming from, and he tries extremely hard to be totally unbiased, but in that effort he goes a little too far from my personal compass. That...more
I have not read this yet, but hearing an in-depth interview with the author convinced me to share it with everyone. If you have daughters, granddaughters, know anyone with children, this is an important work- that could save lives.
It is not just grim facts and statistics about horrid trends; it includes practical advice and solutions to help girls be girls and have the lives they deserve.
Listen to the NPR interview (I think it was Fresh Air) if you are not a reader. Worth the time. Fascinating...more
It is not just grim facts and statistics about horrid trends; it includes practical advice and solutions to help girls be girls and have the lives they deserve.
Listen to the NPR interview (I think it was Fresh Air) if you are not a reader. Worth the time. Fascinating...more
Leonard Sax is one of my favorite authors for raising children. His other books, "Gender Matters" and "Boys Adrift" are spot on when it comes to the problems facing our youth today. I appreciate that he breaks down the issues by gender, realizing that there is a real difference in development and societal problems. I found plenty to help me with Isabella and I think it will be another one of those books I need to read annually to assist me in my quest for good parenting. His methods and ideas al...more
Girls on the Edge is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it for all parents of daughters. Dr. Sax calls our attention to many of the challenges that our girls are facing in this generation. He gives practical advice on how to help your daughter through these challenging years. My favorite quote from this book is:
"Parents have to be willing to assert their authority. Parents have to be willing to overrule their daughter's decision regarding what she is wearing to school...You have to be wil...more
"Parents have to be willing to assert their authority. Parents have to be willing to overrule their daughter's decision regarding what she is wearing to school...You have to be wil...more
Fascinating read, chock-full of research and thought-provoking insights, including factors that can either accelerate or slow-down the onset of puberty, gender differences that should not be dismissed when it comes to parenting, sports coaching, and teaching, the downside of being constantly "plugged-in" to tech, and the need for connectedness to women of all ages in order to avoid being influenced by peers, only (teens advising teens = blind leading blind).
I learned a LOT from this book, and h...more
I learned a LOT from this book, and h...more
This is a definitely worthwhile read for parents of girls. Although some of the reviewers felt that the material covered is "nothing new", I assure you that a great majority of parents are unaware of the environmental, emotionally manipulative, and even cyber dangers that ate out there. They trust and expect their children to inform and alert them; meanwhile, another child wanders astray. I loved how Sax made the distinction which so many children and adults miss - mistaking knowledge for wisdom...more
4.5 stars.
A good discussion on problems facing girls today. I agreed with most of what he said and was happy to find a champion for immodesty, teaching girls balance, and common sense rules on computer use.
I could relate to the young women's loss of self and complete focus on academics. After college I struggled to identify myself outside of academics. I am now learning to find my true self. I think he hits the mark on how an unbalanced life or complete focus on one are (academics, athletics, e...more
A good discussion on problems facing girls today. I agreed with most of what he said and was happy to find a champion for immodesty, teaching girls balance, and common sense rules on computer use.
I could relate to the young women's loss of self and complete focus on academics. After college I struggled to identify myself outside of academics. I am now learning to find my true self. I think he hits the mark on how an unbalanced life or complete focus on one are (academics, athletics, e...more
I rushed through this book, partly because I had the Boys Adrift book to read also and I checked them out from the library, but also because I couldn't seem to learn all he had to say fast enough. Throughout my reading, the thought that kept coming to mind was, "It is so important that I read this now!" We all want our girls to grow up healthy and with great self esteem and habits. I thought his commentaries on the world we live in and what it is doing to our girls was spot on. I was very surpri...more
Instead of just ranting about the typical dangers teenage girls face (eating disorders, bullying, substance abuse), Leonard Sax offers concrete advice on how to help the young women in your life stay safe and healthy. Particularly eye-opening is Sax's analysis of the research on women's sports. Learning cheerleading is the most deadly sport for young women is shocking. Sax offers a long list of alternative sports for young women, as diverse as archery, martial arts, competitive swimming, and yog...more
This one is hard to rate because it is so academic. I wish I had read it before I was half done with girl teens. And I wish I had skipped the first third of the book where I felt the author delved into the sexual aspects a little to explicitly for my taste. The last chapter about girls' spirits is very worth reading and confirms my testimony of the Young Womens program of my church. This is the second I've read by Sax and still I'm not convinced that same-gender schools are the way to go.
This book is certainly a must-read for anyone with adolescent women in their lives. To an outsider like me; who is neither female, nor adolescent the book is a revelation. This is very different world that women must contend with today and so daunting.
Although I found the language and outline of the book oversimplified, it still managed to raise interesting questions and perspectives that demand consideration. I don't entirely support his view of the value of single-sex education, but he isn't s...more
Although I found the language and outline of the book oversimplified, it still managed to raise interesting questions and perspectives that demand consideration. I don't entirely support his view of the value of single-sex education, but he isn't s...more
Very interesting and a little scary. Basically tells you about the "new" evils facing girls as they grow up ~ mixes some real life examples of girls in to illustrate which helps hold your attention. An easy read. Definitely made me consider some things that I hadn't before and opened my eyes to some threats (ie. specializing in a sport at a young age) that I never would have imagined as negative otherwise. Recommended, especially to parents of girls.
Oh, I love love love Leonard Sax!!! It's now my goal to meet him, although if I do I'll probably end up gushing and making a total fool of myself. He's just so brilliant!!!
Okay . . . let me get ahold of myself. This book frightened me, with all the information about environmental toxins, but it was a very interested sort of frightened. And the thing I like about Sax is that he gives solutions to the problems after frightening you with them.
Okay . . . let me get ahold of myself. This book frightened me, with all the information about environmental toxins, but it was a very interested sort of frightened. And the thing I like about Sax is that he gives solutions to the problems after frightening you with them.
Like "Boys Adrift," this book has a lot of information that I was happy to learn, and I'm glad the author wrote a book about girls. Never having been a your girl in my years growing up, some of the ideas were very new to me. One thing that struck me -- maybe it was in "Boys Adrift," too, and I simply didn't notice -- is that he gives you a horror story, something really bad that happened, and only afterwords says "now that's a rare case, but..." It seems to me that's a propaganda trick: "If you...more
I don't have any adolescent daughters, but this strikes me as a must-read for anyone who does. I think it will serve most parents very well as an exposition of the top dangers their daughters are most likely facing.
Sax doesn't have all the answers, and seems to contradict himself somewhat towards the end, but by-and-large he has some excellent insights which he conveys very well.
Sax doesn't have all the answers, and seems to contradict himself somewhat towards the end, but by-and-large he has some excellent insights which he conveys very well.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raising young women in today's society | 1 | 3 | Jul 08, 2010 05:02am |
Leonard Sax is an American psychologist and family physician. He is the author of Why Gender Matters (Doubleday, 2005) and of Boys Adrift: the five factors driving the growing epidemic of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men (Basic Books, 2007). He is founder and executive director of the National Association for Single Sex Public Education (www.singlesexschools.org).
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Aug 12, 2010 10:09am
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