Promoting a positive body image in your teenage girl:
Do you have a positive body image? Did you have a positive body image as a teenage girl? For many of us, insecurities surrounding the way we look tend to surface in our adolescent years; we come to rely heavily on our peer relationships and their opinions of us start to matter more than ever. This, combined with society's pressure for females to conform to the "ideal body type", makes it hard for any teenage girl to escape the negative thoughts that arise as a result of not looking like what is portrayed on tv and in magazines. Given our societal challenges, how do we go about promoting a positive body image for our teenage girls? What's the best way to talk to them about it?As parents, it may seem impossible to counteract the messages our daughters receive on a daily basis from their peers and in the media, but there are some tangible things you can do to help your daughter promote a positive body image.
First, talk to your teen about body image.
What is it? According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. You might start by asking your daughter how they view themselves and what they see when they look in the mirror. Practice active listening skills, meaning that you want to listen without thinking about what you are going to say in response. Try to hear what your daughter is saying without lecturing her or telling her that what she feels is not true. Of course, you don't want to validate any unhealthy thoughts or beliefs but you also want to open a discussion on what a healthy body looks like and what it takes to maintain a healthy body (e.g. healthy nutrition, moderate exercise, etc.)
Second, be a positive body image role model.
It's essential that you examine your own beliefs about your body and what you look like. Do you buy into society's ideal of the "perfect body" or are you more realistic with yourself about your body's shape and size? Do you have a positive body image for yourself? Also, it's important to look at what your own practices are in regards to taking care of your body. It's easy to neglect our own self-care when we're busy taking care of others, but remember that our children are more apt to follow what we do rather than what we say. Taking care of ourselves in regards to diet, exercise, and health not only helps us to feel good about ourselves but can have the secondary benefit of helping our daughters learn to take care of their bodies too.
Third, point out unrealistic messages in the media.
Another tip to help promote a positive body image for your teen girl is to call a spade a spade and point out the false body illusion. For instance, you can play "Spot the Airbrush" by pointing out items that have been photoshopped or airbrushed in advertisements or magazine spreads. You can also practice identifying with each other what you love about your own bodies. Last but not least, focus on what's important, who your child is versus how they look. You can do this by expressing appreciation for your daughter's inner qualities rather than her external appearance. Things like kindness, humor, and perseverance are all characteristics that can be focused on to increase a teenager's self-esteem.
The fact is -
The unrealistic stereotypes and unhealthy body images in our society are not likely to go away any time soon. But, we can be well-informed and learn how to address them head-on. We can each be change agents for our teens in cultivating healthier body images!Fill out the form below to find out more about our upcoming teen workshop, where we will address healthy body image and more! Call 813-434-3639 to reserve your teen's spot, space is limited!
