Girls on Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect

by Molly Barker

Book Overview

During adolescence, if a girl isn't careful, she can fall into a trap called the Girl Box-a place where the way she looks is more important than who she is, where having a boyfriend is worth giving up a piece of her identity. This is a very serious problem, one that can lead to substance abuse, eating disorders, early sexual contact, and depression. Now Molly Barker, founder of the dynamic Girls on the Run exercise program, has created a ten-week...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345456866
• ISBN13: 9780345456861
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Ballantine Group
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Great advice, story and fun!

This is a great book for any woman with or without a child. I do not but I'm a coach so work with young girls. It offers advice and lessons that help strengthen relationships.

Loved it! Can't wait to share it!

I originally bought this book for my daughter. It is just as much for me! I read Tina's story and reduced to tears sitting at my lunch room table. I am Tina! I was Tina in fifth grade and I still am Tina. I totally understand the girl box. I can't wait to share this book with my daughter.

You don't have to be a runner to appreciate this book

Written in a remarkably open and honest fashion, Girls on Track is filled with insight and personal stories that bring the book's lessons to life. Molly Barker's witty and down-to-earth language makes the book a hard one to put down. Reading it is very much like having her in the room with you, chatting over a cup of of decaf latte (or whatever your drink of choice is . . . ) or out for a conversational run. It is especially fun to read when you know what her beautiful Southern voice sounds like so you can imagine her reading it . . . Filled with anecdotal stories from her childhood, her experiences as a mom, and of girls from the Girls on the Run program and the lessons they learned (and that Molly learned FROM them!), Molly examines the workings of weak and strong interpersonal relationships. She asks us to examine them from all angles and think about what we can do to strengthen and value communication between adults and kids so kids can strengthen their own skills with adults and their peers. These stories are the meat of the book and really bring the theory she presents to life. This is really two books in one, as it includes a How-to section in the fifth chapter that provides a curriculum for mothers and daughters to experience together. The 10 week plan walks moms through growing and learning experiences, discussing emotions, health, beauty, beliefs, letting go, making amends, love and . . . you guessed it, physical fitness through running (and games!!). I've talked with moms who have followed this journey with their daughters and they've been pleased with the experience. Even the moms who are non-runners looked forward to the time they spent with their girls on the lessons and surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed the running element, too.

Inspiring for parents and coaches

This is a great book for parents of young girls and boys as well as anyone else who works with kids. On days when things are rough, reread the stories Molly tells to remind you that you are making a difference. Thanks Molly!

This will change my life.

I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter. We will not only enhance the relationship we have, but move one step closer to the kind of relationship I always wished I would have had with my own mother. Thank you Molly Barker, for an inspiring message, sharing your story and a welcome solution to fighting the stereotypes my daughter tries to battle on her own, everyday of middle school. Peace.