Healthy Transitions for Girls


HTFG-F book cover-front.final (2) websiteHealthy Transitions for Girls is a strength-based curriculum to help girls ages 4th- 8th grade develop positive body image. This curriculum was developed by Peggy A. McFarland,MS,  based upon extensive research and collaboration with other professionals. As a mother of four daughters (and many “adopted” daughters) who has worked  with youth for the last 30 years, Peggy is passionate about helping girls develop a geniune sense of self-worth.  Girls today need extra support to combat the negative messages of modern media culture!

Is positive body image a big deal?  You bet!

Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of girls have negative body image. Yet developing a positive body image during the body’s transition into puberty is a critical factor in preventing substance abuse, eating disorders, unhealthy dating relationships, and mood disorders.  Healthy Transitions for Girls helps girls to:

  • build supportive relationships with their parents and peers
  • have a global appreciation and respect for their body
  • develop a healthy concept of femininity and womanhood and resist an over-sexualized self-concept
  • develop a holistic concept of self that recognizes the interrelationship between the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical aspects of their life
  • learn to be critical media consumers and identify the unrealistic and negative portrayals of girls and women in the media
  • identify and challenge negative self-talk that leads to negative mood and risky behaviors, as well as other coping skills

Healthy Transitions  for Girls is NOT a “sexual education” program.  The focus of Healthy Transitions for Girls is to develop positive beliefs regarding the changes occurring in girls’ reproductive system and to help them develop a sense of responsibility for the choices they make  with their bodies.  Healthy Transitions for Girls promote positive values, such as modesty, abstinence, empathy, nurturing, and integrity. HTFG-logo-color website