Girl Drama is all around and girls get caught up in it, even if it has nothing to do with them.

The drama amongst girls makes sense: growing girls, changing bodies and brains, fluctuating moods and emotions, and the developmental milestones of figuring out who she is and how she fits in.

The results of this drama can be damaging: loss of friendships, tears, fights, and feelings of worry, confusion, and loneliness.

Ensuing drama unfolds when we also consider comparing and competing, jealousy and envy, changing friends and “frenemies”, the very real fear of missing out (FOMO), and insecurity and anxiety around feeling “not good enough” or as though she doesn’t belong.

We can see girls in various roles of drama: the director is the girl telling everyone what to do, the director’s assistant is the girl helping the director and doing what she says and wants, the publicist is the one talking to everyone and getting other girls excited about the drama, the girl running the lights is keeping secrets and letting secrets out to put a girl in the spotlight, and the actress, feeling she has no choice, is merely going along with the drama to fit in and playing the part expected of her.

Whatever role a girl plays, you need to know a few things about girl drama to help her to limit or even eliminate the drama in her life. Here are some ideas:

• Drama is not a necessary part of girlhood and girls do have the choice to stay out of it!
• She is a free agent and doesn’t need to going along with girls who are starting or stirring up the drama. In fact, she can be friends with all different girls, both in and out of school.
• A girl can be the voice of reason, listening to the drama and understanding it, and even offering ideas and suggestions, but not getting involved and not exaggerating the drama.
• She can be the direct speaker, the honest opinion who will say it straight and not be “round about” with her words.
• Shifting focus to “what really matters” may help a lot, by focusing on her own growth and goals, following her interests and doing what she loves, and helping or giving back to others.

Drama, as exciting as it may seem, can cause damage. Let’s help girls understand the pitfalls of drama and guide them through it so they can be bold, strong, confident, and healthy!