Rosalind Wiseman's Blog, page 50

Public Displays of Affection – A Teachable Moment

I went to Starbucks to wrap up some work and celebrate their first day of offering free Wi-Fi (thank you, thank you, thank you) when I encountered a "situation" of sorts.  There were two teenage girls sitting very closely, holding hands, and kissing in a small crowded space.  I sat down with my back to them so I had couldn't see what they were doing, but I could tell by the stares, smirks, and whispers from the patrons that the PDA continued.  A group of ladies got up to leave and we made...

Rosalind's Pick: Pigtail Pals

Pigtail Pals is a t-shirt company that is owned and operated by Melissa Wardy, a mom who wanted clothing for her daughter that wasn't riddled with the typical "little girl" stereotypes.  She wanted her daughter to know that becoming a princess, model, or ballerina weren't her only options.

She created a line of girls' t-shirts that are smart and funny, and that challenge female stereotypes.  With shirts that read "I look good in red" and depict a female firefighter, or a drawing of a...

Legacy, Priviledge, and Scandal: Landon School's Recent "Rash of Events"

Over the last few years, I have paid closed attention to the news stories coming out about former and current students of the Landon School,  a prestigious all-boys school in Bethesda, Maryland. First there were the Duke lacrosse players, some of whom were Landon alum, then it was an SAT cheating scandal, and then, in quick succession, George Huguely's arrest for murdering his girlfriend at UVA.  Most recently, current students were outed for creating a fantasy girl hookup league modeled...

Is 13 Too Young to Come Out?

Rosalind Wiseman answers a question from Addie, a 13-year-old girl who has known for a while that she's bisexual.  She's worried that if she comes out to her friends and family now they'll think she's just trying to get attention or they wont take her sexuality seriously because she's so young.  Should she come out to her loved ones now? Or keep it inside a little longer and come out when she's older?

I'm Not a Mom, But…

I am traveling to Boston later this week to speak at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Conference.  My presentation, Growing Up Girl, will hopefully inspire those in attendance to ask me several questions.  But one question I'm frequently asked can really challenge me:

"Are you a Mom?"

I get asked this constantly: when I am presenting (especially to parents), at my school, at the gym, and pretty much anytime I tell someone who doesn't know me what I do outside of my...

Rosalind Responds to NYT Article (Part I): Why Parents Should Do Their Own Dirty Work

Early yesterday morning, my father called to tell me that the New York Times had an extensive article on cyberbullying. Frankly, my initial response wasn't enthusiastic. Usually when major media report on cyberbullying the information they present is neither nuanced nor effective in improving the dialogue surrounding the issues. Instead, a disturbing example is presented that leaves the reader believing teens are morally bankrupt and there is nothing any of us can do about it.

I believe two...

Am I too Young to be Depressed?

Rosalind Wiseman answers a question from Katheryn, a 13-year-old girl who thinks she's depressed. After being 'yellow-carded' by her best friend, her counselor spoke with her parents about her depression, but instead of offering their support, her parents were very angry and now she doesn't know what to do. Can Katheryn find help for her depression and her old self back?

Newsweek: Do We Ever Outgrow High School?

Lately, some high-profile women are acting like mean girls. Is the fault theirs or ours?

By: Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert

What happens to mean girls when they grow up? Judging by some recent examples, they become CEOs, politicians, or reality-TV-show stars.

Let's start with Carly Fiorina (the former head of Hewlett-Packard), a Republican running for the U.S. Senate in California, whose recent cattiness about the "sooo yesterday" hair of her opponent, Sen. Barbara Boxer, was...

I Like My Best Friend's Ex!

Rosalind Wiseman answers a question from Dana, who has a crush on her friend's ex. The problem is, he's also her ex's best friend. She doesn't know if she should pursue him because of all the connections he has in her circle of friends, but she is still romantically interested in him. Where should Dana draw the line between hurting her friends and not worrying about what people think of her?

Got a question for Rosalind? Email it to rosalindsinbox@rosalindwiseman.com!

Kids Summer Camp & Niche Gender Marketing: Why?

Why do we have to turn summer camp into a marketing opportunity for pink and blue? What's the matter with plain ol' grass green and outdoor fun?

Admittedly, I never made it to a 'traditional camp' until I was a parent. We moved duty stations during summers, and if we didn't, we were 'free range kids,' amped with self reliance, creative spunk, and behavior tethered by emotional rather than electronic ties to our parents.

Still, I had a media snapshot of what camp would be, part a