The Brave Girl Project Blog

Sometimes it takes a quiet moment to realize just how much a friendship has changed.
If your daughter has been struggling with a shift in her friend group, that pause in the daily routine might bring those feelings to the surface. It’s almost as if the bridge she built to include someone new was sud...

Spring Break isn’t always about beach trips or sunny getaways. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when we simply slow down and spend intentional time together—especially during the tween and teen years, when connection can feel a little trickier to maintain.

 Whether you’re spending Spring...

This past weekend, I traveled with my son to visit Louisiana State University, and I left with more than just information about dorms and majors—I walked away with some really important reminders that apply to all of us, especially our girls.

The biggest message I heard again and again:

It’s eas...

Whether you’ve been here a while or you’re one of my new friends, I thought it’d be fun to reintroduce myself and share a little about how The Brave Girl Project got started.

I’m Laura Hayes—a licensed school counselor, life coach, and the founder of The Brave Girl Project. But more importantly, I’...

Have you ever watched your daughter hesitate before saying “yes” to a birthday party, school dance, or group hangout—not because she’s shy, but because she knows someone will be there who makes her feel uncomfortable?

Maybe it’s a former friend who’s suddenly gone cold, a group that’s subtly pushin...

We talk a lot about red flags—the warning signs in friendships and dating relationships. But what about the green flags?

Green flags are the signs of healthy, positive, and uplifting relationships—the kind that help your daughter feel safe, valued, and supported. They help her recognize who is trul...

 Forgiveness can be a tricky topic, especially for girls navigating friendships, conflicts, and emotional ups and downs. Many of us were raised with the idea that forgiveness means forgetting or letting someone back into our lives, but true forgiveness is about finding peace—without sacrificing our ...

Last week in The Brave Girl Tribe, we had a heartfelt conversation about something surprisingly overlooked—how to apologize the right way. Most of the girls shared that they had never actually been taught how to make a proper apology!

 This made me think of Dr. Kirk Honda from Psychology in Seattle...

 A Fresh Start for You & Your Daughter

We’re in that stretch of the school year where everything can feel like a drag. The excitement of the new year has faded, winter is lingering, and motivation? It might be slipping—for both you and your daughter.

Maybe she’s feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork...

In our last blog, we talked about frenemies—how to spot red flags, step away from unhealthy friendships, and expand your social circle through new activities and opportunities.

But even when girls recognize a friendship isn’t right for them, one big challenge remains: the anxiety of reaching out to...

Friendships are a huge part of a girl’s life, but not all friendships are healthy. Sometimes, a friend may not be as supportive as they seem, leaving your daughter feeling confused, hurt, or unsure of where she stands.

In my latest episode of The Brave Girl Project Podcast, I dive into the trick...

Why Community Support is Essential for Middle and High School Girls

Friendship challenges can feel overwhelming for middle and high school girls. From shifting social circles to the pressures of fitting in, these years can be a rollercoaster of emotions. One of the most powerful ways to help girls ...