COACHING GIRLS IN SPEAKING HONESTLY

Many girls aren’t hiding the truth from their parents because they’re dishonest.

They’re hiding it because they’re afraid.

Afraid of being judged. Afraid of disappointing their parents. Afraid that honesty will turn into punishment, lectures, or silence.

At Project DIVA International (PDI), we see this every day: girls who want to be honest, but don’t feel safe being heard.

Table of Contents

● Why Girls Struggle With Honesty at Home

● Why Families Trust Project DIVA International

● How PDI Helps Girls Communicate Honestly Without Fear

● What Girls Learn About Truth, Trust, and Voice

● Who Should Register

● Register Your Teen or Young Woman

● PDI FAQs - Communication & Trust

Why Girls Struggle With Honesty at Home

Girls often learn early that honesty comes with consequences. Common reasons girls stop opening up include:

● Feeling judged instead of understood

● Conversations turning into lectures

● Parents reacting emotionally instead of listening

● Fear of disappointing family expectations

● Being compared to siblings or peers

Over time, girls don’t stop having thoughts; they stop sharing them.

This silence can lead to:

● Emotional withdrawal

● Secret-keeping

● Poor decision-making alone

● Increased anxiety and shame

Why Families Trust Project DIVA International

For more than 18 years, Project DIVA International has helped girls build healthy communication skills, self-trust, and emotional regulation.

Why parents and caregivers trust us:

● Safe, non-judgmental environments

● Proven work with middle school, high school and young women

● A learning environment centered on emotional regulation and self-advocacy

● Trusted partnerships with families, schools and communities

● Focus on healing communication, not blame

We help girls find their voice without teaching them to rebel.

How PDI Helps Girls Communicate Honestly Without Fear

At PDI, honesty is taught as a skill, not a personality trait.

1. Creating Emotional Safety First:

Girls learn that their thoughts and feelings are valid, even when they’re uncomfortable.

2. Teaching Language for Hard Conversations

We coach girls on:

● How to express feelings without shutting down

● How to talk honestly without being defensive

● How to ask for understanding instead of approval

3. Releasing Shame Around Mistakes -

Girls are taught that mistakes are part of growth, not proof of failure.

4. Practicing Confidence & Self-Advocacy

Through guided conversations and reflection, girls learn how to:

● Speak truth calmly

● Set emotional boundaries

● Ask for support without fear

What Girls Learn Through PDI

Girls and young women leave PDI with:

● Confidence in their voice

● Tools for honest communication

● Reduced fear of judgment

● Emotional regulation skills

● Stronger self-trust

● Healthier relationships with parents and caregivers

Honesty becomes empowering, not risky.

Who Should Register

Girls Ages 11–18

For girls who:

● Shut down during conversations

● Hide emotions or struggles

● Feel misunderstood at home

Young women ages 18–26

For young adults navigating:

● Independence

● Family expectations

● Identity and boundaries

● Honest adult-to-parent communication

Register Your Teen or Young Woman Today

If your daughter struggles to open up or if you sense there’s more she wants to say but doesn’t know how, Project DIVA International provides the tools and safe space she needs.

Register today and help her build honest, healthy communication that lasts a lifetime.

PDI FAQs - Communication & Trust

1. Does PDI teach girls to talk back to parents?

No. We teach respectful, honest communication rooted in confidence and self-awareness.

2. Will parents be blamed in these conversations?

No. Our approach is supportive and solution-focused, not accusatory.

3. Are programs age-appropriate?

Yes. All content is tailored to developmental stages.

4. Can this help improve parent-child relationships?

Yes. Strong communication skills often lead to deeper trust and connection at home.

5. How do I register or learn more?

Visit us at projectdiva.org or contact Mrs. Hunnecook at laquisha@projectdiva.org