Preparing Our Girls for Healthy Relationships

Most parents have hopeful dreams of raising their children to be independent, healthy and successful adults. However, looking at the current relationship landscape with its pervasive emotional and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and male domination and control, begs the question as to why have so many parents and caregivers have been so unsuccessful in translating their visions into healthy, self affirming realities for our girl children? How much of our girl children’s relationship choices are influenced by the emotional environment created by their parents and caregivers? How do parents and the quality of their relationships impact a young girl’s resultant definitions of womanhood, masculinity, self esteem and intimacy?