"Cultural Literacy – Educating Girls to Outsmart Stereotypes," Presented by Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair

Although educators are making huge strides in closing the academic gap between girls and boys, girls are bombarded by cultural messages and images – from "anno chic" to "Gossip Girl" to "friends with benefits" – that leave academically talented girls vulnerable to making psychologically risky and unhealthy choices outside the classroom  With laptops, the WWW and smart-phones, smart girls are consuming messages that parents find disturbing and difficult to control.  How can we support our kids who are growing up in a culture that normalizes all kinds of unhealthy, risky, mean-spirited behavior?

This talk will discuss ways that parents can raise girls who are culturally savvy and literate; to equip them with intellectual skills to deconstruct values and norms in the culture that undermine girls' ability to stay strong, healthy and focused in their development.  Parents will learn about how to stay connected to their daughters during these challenging years, and strategies for raising resilient young women.

About Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair
Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, school consultant, and author. Catherine has consulted to over 350 independent and public schools parents and students on a wide range of topics related to creating innovative approaches to education and school culture, strengthening children's social and emotional development, deepening parents' connections to their children, and closing the leadership gap for girls.

Dr. Steiner-Adair is writing a book called "Blackberries for Dinner: Nourishing Family Connection is the Age of Technology"– which is about the impact of technology on childhood, parent–child relationships, and family life. (Harper Collins 2013).  Her current research focuses on developing innovative curriculum and programs designed to strengthen children's social and emotional intelligence and competence as emerging leaders and strengthening children's resilience to cultural values which lead to risky behaviors.

About Tremont School Forum
Co-sponsored by Dana Hall School, Tremont School Forum is a series of complimentary lectures and events that explore contemporary issues in the field of education.