Includes bibliographical references (p. [273]-274) and index.

I. Laying the Foundation: The Four-Step Approach -- 1. The Rise of Social Cruelty -- 2. How Can I Help My Daughter or Student? -- What Is Bullying? -- Building the Foundation -- Facing Tough Situations -- Following the Four-Step Plan -- Step 1. Observe -- Step 2. Connect -- Step 3. Guide -- Step 4. Support to Act -- Integrating the Four Steps -- How Long Will This All Take? -- 3. Think, Share, Do ... Activity Bank for Part I -- Step 1. Observe -- Step 2. Connect -- Step 3. Guide -- Step 4. Support to Act -- II. The Heart of the Matter: Applying the Four Steps to Real Situations Faced by Real Girls -- 4. Side by Side: Best Friends, Worst Enemies -- Dealing with a Turf War -- When Best Friends Pull Away -- Yo-Yo Friendships -- 5. Going Along with the Gang -- When Girls Struggle to Fit In -- When Girls Struggle with Feeling "Different" -- When Girls Struggle with Going Along with the Group -- When the Group Turns Against Your Child -- 6. All Girls Can Be Mean: When Your Daughter Is Acting Like a Mean Girl -- There Are Two Sides to Every Story -- The Power Rush of Popularity -- When Girls Struggle with Following the Group -- 7. Think, Share, Do... Activity Bank for Part II -- Step 1. Observe -- Step 2. Connect -- Step 3. Guide -- Step 4. Support to Act -- III. Wrapping Up: Using the Four Steps in Your Home, School, or Office -- The Difference Between "Younger" and "Older" Girls -- Facing All Kinds of Issues, Together -- She Is Not Alone -- Appendices -- 1. Bully Stories for Home or School -- 2. "What-If" Scenarios -- 3. Activities That Follow the Four Steps -- Teacher Tips -- Tips for Girls -- Think, Share, Do...

"In today's world, girls are facing myriad friendship issues, including bullying and cliques. As a parent, you are likely wondering how to guide your daughter through these situations effectively. 'Little Girls Can Be Mean' is the first book to tackle the unique social struggles of elementary-aged girls, giving you the tools to help your child become stronger, happier, and better able to enjoy friendships and handle social cruelty" --Cover, p. 4.