Annette Gail Smith

Overall this is a good book with good information for a mother whose daughter is heading into the preteen years. Author Annette Smith gives some good tips on encouraging mothers to let their daughters discover and appreciate their own individuality. Smith warns that this involves mom letting go or holding back certain feelings and opinions--as long as the daughter is safe. Some of these moments include choosing an activity, a hobby, an outfit, and even goals. The interactive suggestions at the end of the chapters can be helpful.

However, I found this book a little long on anecdotes (perhaps Smith prefers writing fiction over nonfiction?). Yes, there are many helpful examples; but there were times when I found the stories didn't quite fit. A few stories I felt were left unresolved. Such as the time when Jennifer and Tracy had a fight, Smith does not say what the fight was about, how it was resolved or could have been resolved. In fact she says, "If their mothers knew what I know, they would ... leave well enough alone and be thankful for the way it all happened." Really? Couldn't you at least tell us in general terms what the fight was about? How are we supposed to apply this situation to our own lives? Or the time when Jacie turned twelve and her father quit taking her on errands--she still carries the scars but no solution to this problem is offered by the author. A few times, Smith implies that mothers are the experts on their daughter's changes and should explain them to the husbands. I think every daughter grows up differently (different parents, different time period, different circumstances) and there may be times when mom is not the expert and may have no clue. It should not be assumed that fathers are clueless when it comes to raising daughters, especially if he grew up with a good mother and at least one sister.

I did like the Christian perspective and I do plan on referring back to the book. I would recommend this to those who prefer reading anecdotes to just straight facts.… (altro)