The Critical Window

Middle school is a critical time for development – especially for girls. It is during this time when they begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems. The pull-parents-close-just-to-push-them-away age, confounds us all. But these tumultuous years are the pivotal points for teen girls.

As girls reach early adolescence, their self-esteem and interest in certain subjects is likely to plummet as a result of being bombarded by conflicting messages about femininity and achievement. Family issues also add to the load for many middle school girls. Homelessness, poverty, responsibility for younger siblings, squeezing in homework while juggling other duties – all can take a toll on grades, attendance and behavior.

School readiness requires physical well-being, emotional health and a positive approach to new experiences. However, poverty decreases a teen’s readiness for school through aspects of health, home life, schooling and community influence.

A teen girl’s home has a particularly strong impact on her performance in the classroom. Children from low-income families often do not receive the stimulation and do not learn the social skills required to get them through school successfully. Decreasing the risk factors in a child’s environment increases a child’s potential for development and educational attainment.

Teens require healthy learning and exploration for optimal brain development. Unfortunately, in impoverished families there tends to be a higher prevalence of such adverse factors as teen motherhood, depression, and low self-esteem, all of which lead to poor school performance and behavior on the child’s part.

My Girlfriend’s House provides teen girls with women who show up and care. Not just one woman, but communities of female role models who offer the hope, support and guidance teen girls need to stay on the path to their dreams.