Greetings Friends,
Did you know that girls today are pushed to be more independent and autonomous at earlier and earlier ages, and parents are afraid of being too protective? It is certain that in our culture however, girls are vulnerable in many ways that boys are not, and are in need of more protection. After conducting research, I located the following information about the impact of a father in the life of a young developing little girl:

• A daughter's self-esteem is best predicted by her father's physical affection.
• Girls with good fathers are less likely to flaunt themselves to seek male attention.
• Daughters who perceive that their fathers care a lot about them, who feel connected with their fathers, have significantly fewer suicide attempts and fewer instances of body dissatisfaction, depression, low self-esteem, substance use and unhealthy weight.

• 76 percent of teen girls said that their fathers influenced their decisions on whether they should become sexually active.

• Girls with involved fathers wait longer to initiate sex and have lower rates of teen pregnancy.

With these startling facts, I continue to search for a clear understanding of the factors in my life that decreased my risk of becoming one of the statistics listed above as I am the product of a "fatherless" family. There are many answers that are apparent such as God, a strong, independent mother, a supportive grandmother and caring friends and family.

As I continue life's journey seeking to operate from the purpose in which I was created, I have determined that my life would be in vain if I did not lend a hand to make a difference in the lives of little girls and women who were disempowered by the presence of a negative male role model or lack of male presence in the home. I seek to locate and provide resources that will empower young girls and women through etiquette awareness.
It is my belief that awareness of the appropriate conduct in a variety of social settings as well as a positive self-image will open doors of opportunity to many young girls and women. Through etiquette instruction, I will help to create better citizens and powerful women to be productive in our communities. Every little girl has a wish and it is my hope to make dreams come true by teaching girls that "to love yourself, is the greatest love of all"!