Body Image

As published in the LaPorte County Herald-Argus, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009:

Body Image
By, Michelle Harmon

With fashion models seeming to continuely shrink in size, plastic surgery becoming more like an aceessory than a medical procedure, and obesity rates rising among adolescents, it is no wonder why so many girls are struggling with their body image and why so many moms are trying to figue out how to help their daughters gain and maintain positive body images. Body image is tied to self-esteem, confidence and other factors, so there are no fail safe ways to instill positive body images in your daughter. However, there are a few things that you can do to foster positive body image and help your daughter to love herself and her body.
First, be open. Talk to your daughter about images that you see in magazines and on TV. Discuss her perception and yours of these images and explain to your daughter how altered the images she sees are and that the real person in the magazine probably doesn't look exactly like she does on the cover of Teen Vogue or Cosmopolitan. Ask her questions about herself and find out if she is having any issues about her body. If she is, talk to her and let her know that she has value. Share your own experiences. Likewise, talk to your daughter about the importance of keeping her body clean, about proper grooming habits, and, of course, fueling her body with healthy foods. These things will help her build confidence in her body and herself. Not to mention, build a stronger relationship between the two of you because you are taking care of your bodies together.
Second, never, ever degrade your body in front of your daughter. Never, look in the mirror and declare, “I'm fat!” while your daughter is around. If you are dieting, do not make a big deal about it, this will only make your daughter want to diet, too, or, at least, wonder if she should. This sends your daughter the message that something is wrong with your body, so she might begin to think that something is wrong with hers. Again, stress eating healthy, not dieting.
Third, make sure your daughter stays active, either in sports, playing outside, or other fun activities. Go for walks with your daughter, or go bike riding with her in the summer. Play football outside with the whole family or go bowling. Keeping active will help your daughter realize what her body can do and will keep her strong, in body and in confidence. Bottom line, set a good example for your daughter, be open and talk to her, and you will help her on the road to a positive self-image.
Next week, let's talk birthday party etiquette—do you have to RSVP? Should you drop your kid off or stick around for the party? What about younger siblings, can they tag along?