FishHawk Resident Helps Girls Gain Self-Confidence

Seeing her today, people would never guess that Nancy Lemon had a self-esteem problem when she was a youngster.

Lemon is a successful professional development trainer and coach, helping business people to become better leaders, communicate effectively and achieve their goals.

But, as an adolescent, Lemon said she was lacking in confidence, something many young girls can relate to as they begin to mature and face new social situations.

“The pre-teen years can be very difficult for girls,” said Lemon. “They’re undergoing so many physical and emotional changes that can lead to poor self-esteem.”

At the same time, mass media bombards them with unrealistic images of perfect bodies and attractive features that can make them feel inadequate.

It was her own memories of those difficult adolescent years that led the FishHawk Ranch resident to start Girls With Confidence, a program for girls focusing on friendships, body image and health.

“I’d been working as a corporate trainer for 11 years, facilitating adults, when someone suggested I do volunteer mentoring for the Ophelia Project,” said Lemon. The Ophelia Project is a nonprofit organization that works with girls and boys on developing leadership potential, positive peer relationships and preventing relational aggression, teasing and bullying.

She became a facilitator with Girls Circle, then under the Ophelia Project, five years ago. Girls Circle, a national nonprofit organization, focuses on the development of strength, courage, confidence, honesty and communications skills for girls.

“There was a huge demand,” said Lemon.

The obvious need for this type of program led her to launch Girls With Confidence  this summer, offering the Girls Circle curriculum.

She is planning a series of four-week workshops for girls this fall at the Osprey Club in FishHawk Ranch. The workshop are open to all girls, not just FishHawk Ranch residents.

The first series of workshops will take place Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for girls in fourth grade and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 for girls in fifth grade.

The workshops will continue in October, November and December for fourth-, fifth- and six-graders.

“The Girls Circles help build strong interpersonal skills and confidence,” said Lemon. “Participants say that the Girls Circle program teaches them to speak up, resist peer pressure and develop a positive self-image.”

With a maximum of 10 girls per class, Girls Circle features structured classes that include group discussions, individual reflection and writing exercises along with a creative activity.

“It’s a fun place for girls to express themselves, listen to others and develop a positive self-image,” said Lemon.

Girls discuss topics such as role models, friendships and how they feel about their bodies.

“It’s a safe place for girls to come and talk about things on their minds,” said Lemon. “One of their favorite classes is the body image class where I introduce them to a computer program that shows how photographs are doctored to change someone’s appearance. The girls are amazed that what they see on magazine covers is not reality. We discuss different body shapes – the apple, pear, rectangle and hour glass. The whole point is I’m trying to get them to realize God gave them the body they have and they don’t have to change to fit in.”

She also tackles such issues as bullying, personality styles and the desire to fit in.

“Every girl has issues with getting along with people. In our workshops they learn so much about themselves and why others behave the way they do.” Lemon said.

Lemon is offering classes for five age groups, from fourth to eighth grade, from general classes for girls as well as classes focusing on friendship, being a girl and body image. In addition, she hosts mother-daughter circles.

For more information, e-mail Lemon at nancy@girlswithconfidence.com . For dates and times of upcoming workshops, visit www.girlswithconfidence.com.