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Mother/Daughter 101: Smart Tips for Raising Girls

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rebellious teenage girl
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Expect the "Unladylike"

Our expectation for girls to keep up their "cuteness" extends past looks and into the realm of behavior. Stereotypes lead us to believe that girls should always maintain a mellow temperament, sense of propriety, and eagerness to please — but that's just not fair or feasible. Like their counterparts ('boys will be boys!'), girls are live mammals! Toddler girls have tantrums; teenage girls have outbursts. Girls may do some very un-cute, "unladylike" things, such as throw a toy or slam a door or even just refuse to help Mom carry something, because they can be just as mad, stubborn, or rebellious as boys. While they can be tough to handle discipline-wise, these "bad" behaviors are associated with gaining independence, nurturing assertiveness, and building self identity. You don't have to accept your daughter's "bad" behavior, but you do have to accept her potential to misbehave and have bad days. Otherwise, you may be in for a rude awakening.

Next: Don't Push for Perfection

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