Renowned for her knowledge of what makes girls aged 6 to 16 tick, JoAnn Deak brings together stories and lessons from more than 20 years as a school psychologist, and introduces original concepts as a framework to help parents better understand their daughters such as: - The Strudel Theory- building a life with layers of experience. - Crucible Moments - the layering of meaning in the little things. - Crucible Events - life's major defining episodes. - Negotiating the Gray - using discussions and actions to guide girls through physical, social and emotional growth. GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS looks past the scare stories to those that enlighten parents and enable them to empower their daughters. She draws from the latest brain research on girls to illustrate the exciting new ways in which readers can help their daughters learn and thrive. Most telling of all, this book gives the voices of girls themselves as they struggle with body image, self-esteem, intellectual growth, peer pressure, and media messages. The result is a masterly book that addresses all the key issues for girls growing up.