Girls Without Limits
Helping Girls Succeed in Relationships, Academics, Careers, and Life
- Lisa Hinkelman - Ruling Our Experiences
Be the caring and positive force that girls need
Social media, friendships, dating culture, academic pressures, bullying, self-concept, fear of failure… These are just a few of the complex challenges facing adolescent girls. In a world that is changing rapidly, it can be difficult to know how to foster effective communication and provide authentic support for the girls that we teach, parent, mentor, and coach.
The newly updated edition of Girls Without Limits offers relevant insights and concrete strategies that will help you:
- Understand the unique challenges girls face, including relationship troubles, social and academic pressures, disrespect and harassment, body image, academic and career choices, and becoming leaders
- Teach girls the skills they need to safely and confidently navigate social media and other evolving technologies
- Empower girls with the skills they need to establish healthy and supportive relationships, build a strong sense of self, and develop the confidence they need to confront negative societal expectations and make healthy, positive decisions
Combining relevant research, findings from a large-scale national survey of more than 10,000 girls, and the voices and experiences of today’s adolescents, Girls Without Limits equips educators, parents, school counselors, mentors, and coaches with the skills and strategies they need to build solid relationships, handle difficult conversations, and cultivate a generation of girls who are strong, capable, confident, and successful.
Free resources
5 Stats that Will Change the Way You Teach Girls
"Girls’ lives are hard and, let’s face it, adults don’t really understand what girls are going through. Sure, we might know what it’s like to be a teenager, to struggle with academic or family issues, or to deal with complicated friendships or relationships. But we don’t know what it is like to be a girl today—trying to figure herself out, getting ridiculed and judged on social media, constantly comparing herself to others, never quite feeling good enough, and so afraid to fail that she is plagued with stress and anxiety on a daily basis." Read the full post on Corwin Connect.
Figure 6.1: Continuum of Disrespect, Aggression, and Violence Toward Girls
Unchecked disrespect toward girls and women can escalate to verbal and physical harassment and even sexual assault. Common behaviors reported by girls are depicted in figure 6.1.
Looking Out for the Girls
In Chapter 7: Looking Out for the Girls, the authors of Girls Without Limits discuss how to identify and prevent sexual violence.
Lonely Girls: How the Pandemic Has Deepened the Isolation of Adolescents
In this article from The Wall Street Journal, Girls Without Limits author Lisa Hinkelman offers her comments on the social and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent girls.
"This is one of the most candid, inspiring, empowering, and generous books you will read this year. Today is unlike any moment in history. We have an opportunity to transform the narrative and provide genuine, educated support for girls on their journeys. This book reveals what it means to be a girl today and provides adults with relevant tools for having purposeful conversations and creating authentic connections. I highly recommend that Girls Without Limits be read and shared with all!"
“Dr. Hinkelman is the only person writing about girls who has conducted large-scale, national research on the experiences, opinions, and behaviors of girls. In this second edition, the data from her research is combined with practical ways of engaging with all girls on a variety of topics, from body image and confidence to healthy relationships and leadership. Readers will gain tangible ways of actually relating to girls and teaching them the skills needed to live in a world that is saturated with technology. Girls Without Limits is a must-read for anyone who works with, educates, or parents girls!”
“As a school counselor, Girls Without Limits prepares me for the stresses that my students bring to my office. It helps me meet my students where they are and it provides a great communication tool to use with their parents. As a father to a young girl, this book is invaluable. It seamlessly merges research with practical suggestions, insight, and resources that give me more confidence for the road ahead with my family. Girls Without Limits is most valuable in helping me reinterpret and better understand the behaviors, stressors, and unique challenges that accompany growing up as a young girl in this world. Where I previously experienced frustration, I now have opportunities for understanding and connecting with the girls I work with and who are in my family.”
“Dr. Hinkelman’s energy and the fresh perspectives woven throughout her work make learning fun and engaging. This is an excellent book to add to your toolbox.”
“Girls Without Limits is the first book I recommend to anyone I know who has daughters or works with girls. It’s timely, relevant, and eye-opening and contains insights and context for understanding the world of girls. It's also packed with practical tools and tips for engaging the girls in your life. This is a pivotal read; it forever put me on the path of empowering our girls to change the world around them!”
“Girls without Limits offers real insight and practical solutions in my work with girls. It has also changed how I communicate with my own daughter in order to create a more supportive relationship with her. This is a MUST-read for anyone who has girls that they care about in their life.”
“Girls Without Limits is a must for anyone who has girls in their lives. Combining practical advice with researched-based data, Dr. Hinkelman has provided parents, educators, and other supporters of girls with the tools they need to help girls thrive.”
“As a mother of four daughters and a social worker who works with countless girls every year, I find myself needing resources to help me make a difference. Girls Without Limits is my go-to both professionally and personally. It is packed with knowledge on how to manage the ever-changing world of girls. The tools in this book have helped me have relevant, meaningful conversations with girls in a time they need them the most.”