AVOID 'girls toys' and dress your daughters in practical clothes.
That's the message from childcare expert Steve Biddulph, who says girls are in crisis.
He's visiting Stroud on Saturday to talk about how to help daughters face the pressures of the 21st century.
Steve, is a child pyschologist who has sold over 3 million copies of his book, Raising Boys.
Now he's turned his attention to girls with his latest book, Raising Girls.
Girls are growing up too fast, stressed and unhappy, he says.
"To put it bluntly our 18 is their 14. Our 14 is their ten" he said.
"Everywhere she looks, today's young girl sees messages that make her feel she is not good enough."
Parents of young girls should avoid toys that put importance on looks and clothes.
"In fact avoid anything aimed only at girls. The world does that quite enough already."
Steve will be speaking at Lansdown Hall on Saturday, January 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 and are available from Stroud Subscription Rooms. Call 01453 760960.