Under Pressure

“Lisa Damour offers a fresh, riveting take on the unsustainable stress girls face today, which is often fueled unintentionally by the most well-meaning parents and teachers. Damour also offers refreshing and research-based practical fixes; it’s possible to normalize pressure, in many cases, and use it in fortifying ways to build strength and confidence. Under Pressure is an invaluable read for anyone who has girls, works with girls, or cares about girls—for everyone!”—Claire Shipman, New York Times bestselling author of The Confidence Code and The Confidence Code for Girls

“Anyone who has read the beloved Untangled knows that Lisa Damour gets girls. This timely sequel brings stunning clarity to the complicated set of stressors that girls experience—in the classroom, online, with peers, and at home—and models how to show up as an ally instead of an adversary. Truly a must-read for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors wanting to help girls along the path to adulthood.”—Julie Lythcott-Haims, New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult 

“Under Pressure is exactly what parents need and, as a mother, it helped me to relax! Damour explains the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress and anxiety. She offers a detailed, comprehensive look at how to help our daughters manage naturally occurring tension, toxic stress, and anxiety. This brilliant book is a must-read.”—Norah O’Donnell, host, CBS This Morning

“Lisa Damour is my go-to resource for all things raising girls (and I often apply her wisdom to my boys as well). Under Pressure is Damour at her best, addressing issues that are challenging our girls, from sexuality and academics to the ways girls speak and present themselves. Don’t be misled by the title; even if you believe your daughter isn’t unduly anxious, this is a book that will help you to help her navigate. Under Pressure is my gift of choice for parents of teenage girls, and a gift to parents everywhere.”—KJ Dell’Antonia, former editor, The New York Times’ “Motherlode,” and author of How to Be a Happier Parent

“Under Pressure provides striking insight into the inner workings of the anxious mind. Filled with tips for any parent, educator, or person interested in helping our girls live and perform up to their potential, this book is a go-to guide for understanding and dealing with stress and anxiety in girls.”—Sian Beilock, president of Barnard College at Columbia University and author of Choke and How the Body Knows its Mind

“In readily accessible and easily assimilated prose, Damour . . . [makes] common-sense suggestions to help parents help their daughters in these highly competitive times. Although few of these issues are new, Damour’s instructive book pulls them into the limelight yet again, where they can be addressed by a new generation of parents and girls. Practical solutions backed by solid research that will help many girls overcome their high levels of stress and anxiety.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Clinical psychologist Damour thoughtfully and compassionately discusses the many pitfalls faced by adolescent girls today. . . . This is a remarkably thorough and accessible guide for raising girls into strong, independent women.”—Publishers Weekly

“Parents of adolescent girls will find this an excellent choice for assisting their children in navigating day-to-day stress and struggles.”—Library Journal

“Damour offers practical suggestions for heading off stressful encounters and counteracting their influences. Although aimed at parents, Damour’s sensible and empathetic approach will also be reassuring for teens seeking guidance.”—Booklist