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Staying Connected: A Guide for Parents on Raising an Adolescent Daughter
Peer GroupsAs adolescents pull away from their parents, their friendships become a safe haven. Before long, girls tend to join others with whom they think they have much in common. They not only dress alike; they also behave alike and form clubs, or cliques, some with secret codes or rituals. A need to be liked is paramount, and a peer group has much influence on the adolescent girl’s response to the issues of teen life. The right friendships can minimize a girl’s vulnerability to the temptations she must deal with, especially if her relationship with the group is long term. Youth, church, or other organized groups can offer additional support, especially to shy girls or those with disabilities, who may need extra assistance in meeting and getting together with others. Part of growing up is choosing one’s own friends. The more you try to choose them for your daughter or voice your disapproval of the friendships she has made, the more she may rebel. Although some teens use the computer to stay in constant contact with friends, overuse of the computer poses an obstacle to developing peer relationships. Just as with TV, children who prefer to stay at home in front of a monitor rather than spend time with friends can become isolated from the mainstream, with a concomitant slowdown in developing socialization and communication skills.
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