Overview

Containing practical, specific parenting advice; strategies for effecting change with educators, store managers, corporations, and more; and tips for challenging and changing the media, this essential guide gives parents the tools they need to fight back against the modern stereotyping and sexualization of young girls. Activist Melissa Wardy shares tangible advice for getting young girls to start thinking critically about sexed-up toys and clothes while also talking to girls about body image issues. She provides tips for creating a home full of diverse, inspiring toys and media free of gender stereotypes, using consumer power to fight companies that make such major missteps, and taking the reins to limit, challenge, and change the harmful media and products bombarding girls. Redefining Girly provides specific parenting strategies, templates, and sample conversations and includes letters from some of the leading experts in education, psychology, child development, and girls’ advocacy.

Reviews

“Melissa Wardy’s book reads like a conversation with a smart, wise, funny friend; one who dispenses fabulous advice on raising a strong, healthy, full-of-awesome girl.”  —Peggy Orenstein, author, Cinderella Ate My Daughter

“With this book in hand, I no longer feel alone in my quest to raise girls who see a world full of potential. If you seek direction for raising a self-confident child, let this book be your compass.” —Samantha Ettus, Forbes contributor and founder of Working Moms Lifestyle

“Redefining Girly is a bold and essential contribution to the discussion about today’s ‘too fast, too soon’ girl culture. Wardy applies the latest research on media literacy, sexualization, and marketing to everyday situations parents face and provides practical strategies they can enact right now to raise strong, caring, confident daughters and to change a culture that devalues them.” —Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions

Author Biography