It takes little more than a glance back ten or fifteen years ago to see that, comparatively, female celebrities of today are much, much thinner. And younger.
Adolescent girls are likely to look to these actresses, models and images in magazines and take note. Importantly, studies have demonstrated that body image views and concerns appear before puberty {Int J ED, "Disordered eating patterns...," 6 Dec 1998,Vol 21:2, pp159-166}.
Young women are susceptible to feelings of negative self-worth and body image as they are growing, changing and comparing themselves to the images they see. A positive body image goes hand-in-hand with mental and physical health for your child as well as helping to protect her from eating disorders.
Parental Influence on Body Image
- Resist talk about your own weight in front of your children.
- Model an active lifestyle; avoid overly restrictive diets.
- Provide healthful snacks and encourage balanced eating.
- Avoid labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad'.
- Limit magazines and media images.
- Teach children to deal with emotion through talking or exercise.
- Help your child view her body as strong and capable.
- Encourage hobbies and interests and outdoor activity.
- Discourage comparing and teasing.
Restricting talk about your own diet or body concerns is important. Studies which looked at the relationship of children with disordered eating as related to the amount of exposure to a maternal eating disorder found a strong statistical significance {Psy News, "Eating Habits...Eating Disorders," Nov 17, 2006, Vol 4:22, pp27}. Genetics may play a role, but there is no benefit of a mother's disordered eating on a child, period.
Discuss why ultra-thin models are not the ideal. Point out the negative effects of a lifestyle that results in a skin-and-bones appearance and how this is a waste of valuable time and energy. Reinforce to your child that these images are often manipulated past the point of human reality and that her own body type is wonderful and powerful in its own right.
Emphasize the qualities which make your daughter unique. Also of importance, let her know that any feelings of insecurity are completely valid and that every person on earth feels that way at times. The point is to help her accept herself and actually be able to see her strengths.
Teach your children to talk or exercise out their feelings instead of reaching for the cookie jar. Not that treats don't have a place in a child's happy day, but they should not be the emotional go-to when a child is hurting.
Positive feedback a child receives from engaging in activities she truly enjoys can be confidence-boosting. However, avoid letting your daughter focus on only physical positives from sports as this can lead to a decline in self-esteem {Can J Behv Sci, "The Relationship Between Sports Participation and Self Esteem in Early Adolescence," Jul 2006}.
Discourage your child from comparing herself to others. Comparisons are rarely helpful and may make a dent in her confidence. Avoid teasing names which demean your child no matter how loving the intent. "Chubby" may be adorable to you, but your daughter may internalize it as 'disgusting'.
Open communication with your child is key. Listen to what she has to say and how she processes the outside world. By being aware of pitfalls and offering consistent support, your child has a tremendous chance of growing into a well-adjusted adult, free of eating issues that bind so many.
For more information and a springboard to discussion:
Printable download called, "Eating Well and Feeling Good About Yourself."
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