Iowa State University Extension

Girl Talk

Problem:
Preteen girls are trying to understand what is happening to their bodies, what guidelines to follow, and how to respond to the constant media messages surrounding them. Mothers and daughters may find it difficult to talk about health, sexuality, and the future. Communication patterns developed now will likely continue into the teen years.

Response:
Wayne County Extension worked with Wayne Community School to provide Girl Talk in the spring of 2008. Eight community entities provided the funding, supplies and facility. Girl Talk is designed to facilitate communication between mothers and daughters on sexual information and attitudes. Two trained facilitators worked with 7 mothers, 1 grandmother, and 7 daughters in the four-session series.

Impact:
Evaluations showed the following impact. The behavior or knowledge showing the most change from before to after the program is listed first and then in descending order.

After Before
Moms and Grandmothers
8
2
 I provide specific information to my daughter about sexuality issues.
8
3
 My daughter and I talk openly with one another about sexuality issues.
8
3
 I can talk to my daughter about the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy.
8
3
 I can talk to my daughter about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
8
3
 We have family discussions about values and decision making related to sexuality issues.
8
4
 I know the correct terms for female and male body parts and use them when talking to my daughter about them and their functions.
8
5
 I talk to my daughter about changes in her body and emotions during puberty.
8
6
 I know about sexual abuse and can tell my daughter about behaviors that are abusive.
8
6
 I can talk to my daughter about how to protect herself from sexual abuse.
8
6
 I explain to my daughter how to care for her body during menstruation.
7
5
 I know how to do breast self exams and have practiced.
8
6
 I understand sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
8
7
 I know the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy.
8
8
 I see things from my daughter’s perspective and understand her feelings.

 

After Before
Daughters
6
1
 I understand how to care for my body during menstruation.
7
2
 I can talk to my mom about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
5
0
 We have family discussions about values and decision making related to sexuality issues.
7
3
 I can talk to my mom about how to protect myself from sexual abuse.
6
2
 I talk to my mom about changes in my body and emotions during puberty.
6
2
 I know the correct terms for female and male body parts and use them when talking to my mom about them and their functions.
5
1
 I know how to do breast self exams and have practiced.
7
3
 I understand sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
5
2
 I receive specific information about sexuality issues from my mom.
7
4
 I know about sexual abuse and can identify some behaviors that are abusive.
6
3
 I can talk to my mom about the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy.
5
2
 My mom and I talk openly with one another about sexuality issues.
6
4
 I see things from my mom’s perspective and understand her feelings.
5
3
 I know the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy.


For moms, there is an obvious change from having knowledge to being able to talk with the daughters. However, evaluations from the daughters indicate differences on some items. The increase described by all parties in having family discussions about values and decision making related to sexuality issues is encouraging.

Additional ISUE Staff:
Pat Swartzlander, County Extension Education Director, 641-872-1755, pswartz@iastate.edu

Contact:
Donna Donald
Decatur County Extension
309 North Main
Leon, IA 50144
641-446-4723
ddonald@iastate.edu