Here is an explanation you can give your daughter to read:
Don’t worry if you’re not sure if you want to join girls’ group — lots of girls feel that way, which is why we offer a taster session so you get a chance to see what it’s like. You won’t have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. You’ll meet the other girls who are thinking about joining. You’ll meet older girls who are in a girls’ group now. And you’ll meet me. I’ll be showing you what we do in girls’ group (while your Mum goes to the other room to talk with the other Mums).
At the end of the session, it will be you who decides if you want to join — not me, not your Mum, just you. No pressure. If you want to join, then great, you’re welcome, but if you’re really not sure, then that’s fine too. It’s not for everyone and you can say no. Or it might be that next year would be better for you.
Girls Journeying Together group, a year-long exploration
Growing up can be many things: exciting, sometimes a bit scary, at times rocky, and often fun. Some parts of the journey can only be made alone, inside of you. Other parts of the journey can be shared with your friends or your family.
Our girlfriends can be a real support, right the way through to adulthood. Even when you’re close to your Mum, there are times when it’s easier to talk with other girls. In girls’ group we all keep what other girls say private to our group. In the group we’ll get to know each other, have fun, and I’ve much to share with all of you too.
This group is for girls aged 10 – 12 (who are at least in year six of primary school). We’ll meet monthly for a year and finish with a party. Most of the meetings will be just girls together but we will invite your mothers to join us a couple of times.
Before the group, this is what some girls say:
“I’ve got good girl friends already and I can speak to my Mum about most things anyway.”
“Sounds weird to me.”
“I don’t get what it’s for, what would we do?”
“Maybe when I’m older.”
“What if I don’t want to talk about something?”
After the group, this is what girls say:
“I didn’t think I’d like it but it’s brilliant, we talk about things and you realise that others feel the same way.”
“I’ve made friends for life.”
“I was nervous about growing up – I’m not now.”
“You can ask anything.”
“We’ve had loads of fun, and learned stuff but it hasn’t felt like learning.”
“It got me thinking about who I want to be — what I want to do with my life.”
You might like to watch the video that some of the girls made to tell you about girls’ group.
If you or your parents have any questions, contact your Girls Journeying Together group facilitator and she’ll email or call you.
Click for shorter letter you can print off for your daughter