Dr. JoAnn Deak Speaks!

"The girl has to do the work to change the world" Dr. JoAnn Deak. 

Speaking at the OC GIRL SCOUTS VOICE FOR GIRLS Dr. Deak had plenty to tell us about the physical differences between boys and girls brains. 

 "Boys and girls are born differently. We have to fight nature to get girls to take the lead." She talked about how when faced with a challenge, the boy brains shoot out a glob of testosterone which gives the brain the cue to address the issue, meet it head-on and step up to the plate. When most girls face a challenge, her brain releases a glob of Oxytocin that stimulates her to care about others, wonder about how this is all going to affect them.  Our job as adults, parents, mentors and leaders is to get that girl to "hug the monster" and GO DO IT ANYWAY!  

In training we talk about how Girl Scouts is a "safe place for girls." It's an excellent place for girls to go do something, even if they aren't comfortable with that leadership role.  Dr. Deak said, "Make a mistake and trying to figure it out build the brain and strengthens the brain muscle."  Don't do it for the girl, get her to stand up on her own two feet and try to fix the problem, or address the issue or face her fears.  Practice at this strengthens her!

Dr. Deak had another powerful message to share. "7th and 8th grade girls have the highest testosterone they will ever have. They are also the meanest at this time." We create a safe place for these girls in Scouting, where they can fail and be supported by their troop and leaders.  To me, that quote also reinforced how great the aMaze Journey is for this age girl!  All that good stuff about relationships, frenemies, cliques, BFFs, etc. resonates with these girls at this age.  

As  a friend said, we all have to live through it!  I agree, but we also can't let down our guard and let the monster control us or our girls.  We need to encourage our girls to HUG THE MONSTER and take on big ideas that lead to meaningful big action. And we don't start in Cadettes! Dr. Deak says, "start early with girls. Let them learn the magic of doing.  Work on the monster!"

(Re-posted 5:00 p.m. to correct typos and expand on the topic.  First time I've ever tried to blog during a talk.  I need to hug THAT monster and learn how to do it better!!!)