FAQs
Q1 – How can I protect my daughter from paedophiles?
A1 – The actual risk is very small but there are things you can do: remind her never to talk to, let alone accept sweets or a lift from, anyone they don’t know. Even a woman. Tell her that if you have to ask someone unknown to her to collect her you will give them something of yours that she will recognise as proof that you sent them. Remind her that on the internet people are not always what they pretend to be. She should never give her real name or any details that could lead to an online “friend” identifying or contacting her. But reassure her that the overwhelming majority of people are trustworthy and kind.
Q2 – My daughter has told me that one of her friends is self-harming. What should I say to her?
A2 – Praise her for coming to you. Ask if she has talked to this friend about why she is doing this to herself. Suggest she tells a teacher, in confidence, because a teacher will have experience of how to help. Don’t contact the girl’s parents directly. If your daughter is unwilling to tell a teacher then you should talk to the Head yourself.
Q3 – My daughter is not happy with her body. She thinks she is fat and talks about going on a diet. How can I stop her becoming anorexic?
A3 – Firstly, don’t panic. Many if not most girls lack confidence. They are bombarded with retouched pictures of seemingly perfect women in magazines and can easily feel inadequate. Ask yourself if she is picking up similar dissatisfaction from you; it is important that she feels you think she is lovely. Agree to help her eat healthily and don’t try to “feed her up” if you think she is dieting too hard. Young women today are very aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle so by offering to help her achieve this you will give her good habits.
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