The early years of a little girl's life will shape her future in powerful ways.

Maggie Dent, Australia's queen of common-sense parenting, has investigated the development period from birth to age eight. Drawing on nearly 5,000 survey results, the latest research, and her own extensive experience as an educator, counsellor, facilitator, mum and grandmother, Maggie shows us how to help our girls build an emotional and psychological base for life. Secure foundations, Maggie argues, will help insulate our girls against anxiety and other mental health challenges as they grow into their teens and feel more capable and resilient while keeping their own authentic voice as they enter womanhood.

Written with all the rigour, compassion and humour we have come to expect from one of Australia's best-loved parenting voices, this is both a deeply practical guide to raising girls birth-8, as well as a celebration and intimate meditation on the state of being female, which women of all ages will relate to.

'Maggie Dent is a national treasure.'

- Tracey Spicer AM

'...sage wisdom for parenting and supporting girls.'

- Mona Delahooke PhD, bestselling author and pediatric psychologist

"Maggie does it again! Amid the confusing and often contradictory advice available to parents these days, Maggie Dent stands out as a voice of wisdom and compassion. She has a magical way of communicating her insights that not only enlightens but instills a sense of calm. This book is a must-read for parents who want to understand the myriad of issues our young daughters face and help them to flourish as confident, secure adults."

- Janet Lansbury, bestselling author of No Bad Kids, host of Unruffled

"In this timely book, Maggie shares practical advice on friendships, technology, education and wellbeing, while encouraging parents to nurture confidence, spirit, and a sense of adventure in our girls. An invaluable guide!

- Susan Stiffelman, MFT, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting With Presence