Reader’s Guide for You’re Grounded Forever… But First Let’s Go Shopping
1. The author chooses ten “challenges” that mothers face with their daughters. Which of these resonate for you and why?
2. The author writes in her introduction that 70 percent of mothers feel that they haven’t set enough limits with their daughters. Do you believe that this has been a big issue for you with your daughter?
3. Do you view yourself as the kind of mother who pressures her daughter to be a certain way? Or do you believe that your daughter’ individuality is what matters most?
4. What do you think the author is warning against regarding mothering daughters today? Do you believe that you have impact in these instances?
5. Discuss why it is so difficult to teach daughters appropriate values. Do you believe that the culture (media, celebrities) has more sway than you have as a mother?
6. The author found that the majority of mothers feel more burdened raising daughters than sons. Is this your experience?
7. Do you feel that you’ve overemphasized some aspect of your daughter’s life (her weight, her friends, her achievements)? Has this been helpful to her or a hindrance?
8. Of the author’s ten “challenges” that we face as mothers, what scenario causes the most tension between you and your daughters?
9. The author investigates a daughter’s female friendships in terms of trust, rivalry, and competition. Do you feel that you’ve been a model for healthy female friendships yourself?
10. Define the author’s take on encouraging a daughter’s self-esteem. What do you think makes this so complicated between mothers and daughters?
11. The author writes that many mothers find it hard to reason with daughters between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Have you found this to be the case?
12. What are your thoughts about the author’s advice when it comes to a daughter’s love life? Are you willing to express concern about her partner or the relationship, if need be?
13. Are there parts of this book that you would recommend to a friend when she is immersed in a trying time with her daughter?
14. What has this book taught you? Is there any chapter that has been particularly illuminating?
15. The author believes that mothers are the first and lasting role models for their daughters. In this way, mothers wield great influence. Does this guide help you as you face ongoing issues with your daughters?