“How To Get Your Grown Woman On” is a sassy, up-to-date guide for preteen and teenage girls. It teaches them how to cope with the issues facing them today. Written by Author Dr. Crystal Morris-Newsom, this book provides clear-cut instructions on how a young lady should care for her body inside and out as well as how to treat others while still promoting self-love.
Dr. Newsom, what inspired you to write “How To Get Your Grown Woman On” as a guide specifically for preteen and teenage girls?
When I became pregnant with my oldest daughter was the main point of inspiration. I started thinking of all of the experiences that I had as a young girl, then multiplied those by at least 2 based on social media, and became enthralled with the passion of providing resources for not just my daughter but all young girls. From there, I continued moving towards the empowerment of women overall by founding a sober living program for women suffering from addiction.
How has your educational and social background prepared you?
Academically, I am well versed in the human body as I have an undergraduate degree in Human Biology so I know the damage substance abuse can have on the body physically. Additionally, I have done extensive research while pursuing my doctorate on substance abuse in sober living programs and how it helps to improve self-efficacy in its members as well as prevent relapse based on length of time in the program. Socially, I was raised by a single mother in a public school in a lower class neighborhood by “societal standards”. At the time, I never felt as though it were a lower class neighborhood because we all had what we needed and were happy however we were surrounded by the pressures of drugs and gangs. My experiences have blessed me with the ability to relate to others regardless of circumstance without judgment.
Tell us about the House of Zion program.
The House of Zion is a Christian-based, 90-day sober living program for women and women with children. We have sobriety meetings twice a week and promote wellness through tranquil and structured living. I work with the women in not being judgmental and finding a common ground with each other so that we can lift one another up in times of need. I started this program with the premise that even if I can help one woman get off the street and get back on her feet then I will have succeeded. Now 7 years later, there have been a couple hundred women who have come through my program and made it out successfully and I give God ALL the glory!
Do you feel that more young women lack guidance now more than previous generations when it comes to the topics you cover in your book?
Yes I do feel that way because the world has become so blatant in depicting negative images online. It is tough for a single mother or father to watch or police every single thing their child is doing with the amount of technology at their disposal at any given time. Children in today’s society are exposed to so much that parents sometimes either don’t have a clue or feel uncomfortable discussing with their children. This is not for all parents of course however I just want to be there to help those that do need some support with their kiddos.
What do you believe has led to the growing need of mentoring and guidance outside of the home?
I believe the number of devices that children have access to which lead to social media has increased the need for additional guidance and mentoring outside of the home. I truly believe in the “it takes a village” saying and I am the first one to say if you see my child doing something inappropriate you have my permission to lead them in the right direction in love. That is all I want to do with this book is, “Lead these girls in the right direction in love.”
In what ways would you say that music and other mediums have played a negative role in urban communities? If so, do you have any suggestions as far as corrective actions?
That question plaques me at night because I always think of myself when I was young listening to the music of my time and how my mom would react so I try to be understanding to a certain extent however I do see a major difference in the feeling or mood the music of today puts our youth in. When I was growing up, music was either feel good or message driven but in today’s music it is depressing. When the youth listen to rappers who they idolize who speak about committing suicide or popping so many pills they don’t have to deal with life’s pains, it frightens me for our youth. My suggestion for helping our youth is to open their ears to even more music which is what I do to my children. I have found on YouTube Christian rap that sounds just like the music they listen too but has a positive message. I actually found my oldest son “bobbing his head” to it while he was riding in the car with me. I put on the oldies in my car like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, and get them pumped when I can show them how their current artist has sampled music from my generation. We have fun with it! Instead of looking at it from the standpoint of discipline, maybe if we can show them something new maybe they just might vibe to it and appreciate it. Remember it’s your car so when you get them locked down in that seat belt on the way to basketball practice, you control the show with the radio!
Share with us some of your advice in regards of bullying as it has become an increasing factor in suicides across the country.
Although every situation is different I recommend being proactive in your child’s education by speaking with them daily to see how school is going and actually going to the school to volunteer to get a feel for the class and your child. Who knows your child better than you? You will be able to see how they interact with kids at school and even at the playground. If you know your child is a bit shy or antisocial chances are they won’t talk to you as much regarding what is bothering them but being active in your child’s education can sometimes bring issues to the surface. We have to also be mindful of changes in our children’s behaviors and habits and if we see something that isn’t normal we should be investigating further. We have to get our Sherlock Holmes on to protect our children and if all else fails you could look into online school.
If you had to give us one reason your book is a must-read for adolescent girls, what would it be?
I would say the most important reason my book is a “must-read for adolescent girls” is because they are worth it! They are worth every opportunity we can afford them to learn about themselves and how to handle different life scenarios which is the reason this book is written in a journal-like format. I want them to be able to write something down about themselves and then come back to it 2 months later and learn something from it.
