As part of the Family Christian bloggers network, I was recently asked if I would like to review this book and since I love working with Family Christian and I love my daughter’s I said yes. I received a free copy of What a Girl Needs from her Mom and a thank you item for my time. Thoughts shared today are my own. 


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I’ve read many books on general parenting and a few exclusively for the often lovely, yet often trying relationship between Moms and Daughters.  I didn’t want another hard hitting, just the facts style parenting book- I wanted a parenting book that spoke to the Mom I’m learning to be now- a guide book of sorts. 

That’s exactly what I found in the pages of What a girl needs from her Mom. I’ll share more of my thoughts in a moment, but first let me share with you the details of the book from Family Christian’s website where you can purchase this and other helpful books and learn more about the author, Cheri Fuller if you'd like to.

What a Girl Needs from her Mom by Cheri Fuller:

“Mystified by the situations girls face today? There's a good reason, Mom. Our girls are growing up in a completely different world than we did. But whether your daughter is very young or a teenager, you can equip yourself with the wisdom and practical help she needs for the pressures and decisions ahead. With keen insight and warm encouragement, Cheri Fuller shares how you can become a more welcome influence at every stage in your daughter's life. Drawing from her own experiences and the expertise of others, Cheri answers all the top questions, including
  • "How can I help my girl avoid the dangers of social media and navigate the digital world?"
  • "How can I counter society's unhealthy messages about body image and sexuality?
  • "How can I help my daughter (and me!?) deal with her emotional ups and downs?"
  • "What are the best ways to instill good values?"
  • "How can I help her grow a firm faith in God?"


Filled with trustworthy suggestions, this book will help you steer your daughter toward becoming a healthy, confident young woman.


My Thoughts:


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Very early on in the book (page 16), I read a simple message that I shared immediately. Cheri said there are No perfect Moms. There is no magic formula. No doing this will equal a perfect daughter, or a perfect Mom. After reading that,  I knew I was going to really like this book!

What a girl needs from her Mom covers all ages and stages, so I found myself flipping to relevant chapters depending on the day and what was on my heart for my relationship with my teen and tween daughters. 

One particularly helpful chapter for me was A Mom who listens with her Heart and specifically the Roadblocks to Communication section.

Cheri’s Communication Roadblocks are:

  • Giving advice before hearing her out.
  • Finishing her sentences.
  • Jumping in with positive thoughts to cheer her up when she’s expressing sadness or anger (I raise my hand on this one!)
  • Tossing orders and giving little lectures. (I must raise my hand on this one too)
  • Criticizing her.


Here I revisited a few problems with communication in my relationship with my Mom when I was a tween and teen. I spent time each day unpacking each point, or roadblock;  to see if I needed to work on these areas to better communicate with my daughters.

While I do give myself an overall good grade on this Mom thing- I do have areas I need to improve upon. Just like our kids do, so in my humble opinion, we should cut each other some slack here. I have been intentional in my parenting since reading this chapter and found it has helped me slow down and be present and mindful in the moment. 

Both Mom and daughters (and sons for that matter) are growing up in a different time than we did! Our kids have it tougher than ever! But you Moms already know that. 

If you need help understanding where your daughters are now, I offer you some tips I've learned along the way. 

Spend an afternoon volunteering at their school if possible and watch how their peers talk, dress etc. Go to the mall with them and actively listen to kids their age, get in touch with what goes on around them. Host a sleep-over with one or two of your daughters closest friends and let them be themselves. You would be amazed at what these kids share if they feel comfortable and safe. Be that safe place, please. 

And then read this book.  It will not only help you be a better equipped, more understanding Mom, it just may help you be a better adult as well. 


With Mother's Day rapidly approaching, I would like to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day
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