The Mother-Daughter Project: How Mothers and Daughters Can Band Together, Beat the Odds, and Thrive Throughadolescence

Psychotherapists Hamkins and Schultz and a small group of other moms began the Mother-Daughter Project when their daughters were seven. Over the next 10 years, the girls and their mothers met on a regular basis to help the girls weather adolescence while remaining ""strong, confident and whole."" Since their initial meeting, dozens of mom-daughter groups have sprung up around the world and the authors have become speakers on the subject, claiming that their simple solution to keep daughters and mothers close during potentially turbulent times turned out to be a resounding success. Not only were these meetings a safe haven for the girls, but they also provided a wellspring of support for the mothers themselves. The authors hypothesize that teen girls do better in a close and loving relationship with their mothers, and that separation-and the animosity that often accompanies it-isn't necessary in order for girls to grow into independent, confident adults. The prose can be long-winded when introducing the rationale for forming this sort of nurturing club, but the second part of the book delves into the hands-on process. Included are activity ideas (such as a special pre-menstruation ceremony or mom/daughter slumber parties) and discussion guides for year-by-year issues from seven to 17 (e.g., safety, values, money, sex and independence). Authors Hamkins and Schultz offer women practical ways to help their daughters embrace adolescence within an empowering ""circle of love.""