In a few weeks my daughter will begin first grade.  I want to believe that she can handle a full day away from my protective care, but I’m worried.  Right now, she’s confident, bubbly, and expressive.  I’m not ready for her to have her heart and spirit broken – by another girl.  Yet, according to researchers and experts on girl aggression, that’s mostly likely what will happen. 

A recent study conducted by Brigham Young University suggests girls as young as three or four will use manipulation and peer pressure to get what they want.  They regularly exclude others and threaten to withdraw friendship if they don’t get their way.  They are mean girls in training. 

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appeared in Cleveland Akron Family, August 2005