Biagirl: Learn, Laugh, Play Together
How many times as parents do you hear (or say, for that matter!) ‘They grow up so fast!”? It seems like it’s only moments between worrying about introducing solids and choosing diapers to talking about body image, crushes and being cool.Figuring out how to navigate these sensitive topics can be fairly daunting for parents, as both Dhana Chruikshank and Kelly Eng have been finding out.
“I started getting this little feeling in my gut when I would hear six-year-old girls say certain things… it was this little tightening sensation… one that I know well – a warning sign that things are changing; that she’s changing. That little feeling in my gut was FEAR. It was fear of some of the things I have overheard in the past few months at the playground, on the soccer field, at dance class.” says Dhana, going on to cite examples of young girls wanting to wear all black because it’s slimming or asking their mommies why they wear make-up and straighten their hair.
Knowing they were most likely not alone in these uncharted waters, Dhana and Kelly began having weekly sushi meetings to chat and develop a plan to help moms and their daughters tackle these big issues, while still having fun and cementing that mother-and-daughter bond.
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hana explains, “I envisioned a day long format of women with their girls spending time together learning about how to deal with all the ‘big’ topics like bullying, self esteem, healthy eating, sex etc and the ‘fun’ topics like fashion, skin care, dance etc all in a collaborative, fun forum!! I mean this would be quality time versus the time I spend with my girls now – doing homework, speed eating, taxiing and the occasional chat!” And so Biagirl was formed. Taking their name from Greek mythology, Bia is the Greek goddess of force.
As Biagirl’s mission statement says, the aim is to provide opportunities for women their girls to spend quality time learning laughing and playing together. To kick things off, they hosted Biagirl Launch Parties, filled with yoga, creative writing, self defense and hip hop. Kelly and Dhana will be continuing these workshop style sessions with the next round in the Fall. Taking place in Vancouver and North Vancouver, the focus will be on what it means to “biaREAL GIRL”: helping girls to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and resilience. No worries if you’re unable to make it to these sessions, there will be more plus the Biagirl team are working on a virtual component so that you will be able to benefit from this awesome new community no matter where you are!
To find out more and be kept up to date with info on upcoming workshops, visit their website and join the Biagirl community.
You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and writing the Biagirl blog.
