Summer is supposed to feel carefree, but for many tweens and teens, it can stir up unexpected friendship worries.

Without the daily rhythm of school, it’s easy for friendships to feel off balance:

• Texts go unanswered.

• Group chats slow down.

• Friends are away on vacation, at camp, or s

  ...

Summer isn’t just a break—it’s a powerful opportunity for growth.

During our Brave Girl Tribe call this past Sunday, we talked about how summer gives girls the chance to reset, rediscover themselves, and build confidence in ways school doesn’t always allow. We explored what confidence really means—...

As I prepare to watch my son graduate from high school (wait - how did the time go by so quickly!)  and step into a new chapter of his life, I’ve been reflecting on the evolving relationship between parents and teens.

Recently, I listened to Lisa Damour’s latest podcast episode, "How to Stay Connec...

Happy Mother's Day

As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, I want to take a moment to honor you—the moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, aunties, mentors, big sisters, teachers, coaches, and role models who show up every day for the girls in your lives.

Your steady support, thoughtful guidance, and uncondi...

Recently, I shared a post about the grief that comes with unmet expectations—especially around milestones like the end of the school year—and the response reminded me just how many girls (and their parents) are quietly carrying that same weight.

As the school year winds down, there’s a quiet pressu...

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, many families are celebrating seasons of reflection, renewal, and hope. These themes feel especially meaningful as our daughters return from spring break or simply push through the long weeks ahead.

The last months of the school year can feel to...

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...