While much has been said about boys and bullying, the more subtle aggression that girls demonstrate is still a mystery. In a society, which does not encourage girls to exhibit anger in traditional ways, aggression expresses itself in many forms, including exclusion, whispered insinuations, rumors and manipulation. This schoolgirl cruelty often has lasting consequences for girls, following them from adolescence into young womanhood and adulthood.

Author Rachel Simmons put a name to this hidden culture of girls' aggression in her best selling book 'Odd Girl Out', in which she addresses how this phenomenon diminishes our daughters' self esteem and how families and schools are affected.

In response to the concerns parents have expressed about this behavior, Positive Directions offers a series of workshops entitled Our Daughters' Voices.

During four interactive sessions, participants can expect to explore:

• What is relational aggression;
• The relationship between voice and self-esteem in girls;
• Characteristics of a healthy friendship & maintaining authentic relationships;
• Understanding the difference between friendship and popularity;
• Effective ways to identify and communicate feelings;
• The connection between relational aggression and risky behavior;
• Effective techniques for listening without trying to control;
• Being a role model for your daughter.

For information on the scheduling of Creating Lasting Family Connections; Our Daughters' Voices and other Positive Directions' workshops in your area, please call: