Teenage girls are faced with a lot of peer pressure, and one of those pressures tends to give them a negative body image. They see models who are stick thin, movie stars with perfect figures, big chests, etc. And, instead of comparing apples to apples, they compare themselves to people who have personal trainers, dietitians, and plastic surgery. With the negative media influences, and the pressure in school to be popular, beautiful, and perfect, it is no wonder so many girls have negative body images. The question is, how can you help improve your girl’s body image? The following are some tips for improving your girl’s body image:
Tip one: Through speech. If you want to improve your girl’s body image, you have to talk positive to them. Tell them how beautiful they are. Even if they are over weight, or unsightly, there is going to be something positive about them, and that is what you can focus on. They might have perfect feet, or great eyebrows, or a nice butt. Just because they are your daughter does not mean you can’t compliment their body. Tell them how cute they look when they get ready in the morning, and help them start their day with a positive view of themselves.
Tip two: Through example. If you want to improve your girl’s body image, you have to set a good example for them to learn from. If you are constantly saying negative things about yourself, and how you look, what do you think your daughter is going to do? Even if you say they should do one thing, if they see another, they will follow the action more than the words. So, have better esteem and body image yourself and your daughters will. Practice only saying positive things about yourself, and soon you will see your daughter following suit. Even if you do not feel good about your own body, it is important to fake it until you make it so that your daughter does not learn negative examples.
Tip three: Through action. If you want to improve your girl’s body image, you have to help them do something that will give them a fresh look on it. If they are already in a negative cycle, you need to do something to break it. Have you ever bought a new outfit that you felt so great in? Buying clothes that flatter your body can make a huge difference about how you feel about your body. This is true for teens and adults, and even little kids. So, figure out what styles, cuts, and shapes look best on your girl’s body. Help her to dress in clothes that accentuate the positive, and downplay the negative. If they have a large belly, wearing oversized shirts won’t hide it, it will draw attention to it, so learn what things work, and help your daughter use them. If she looks in the mirror and likes what she sees, she will start to think more positively about her body, even if nothing physically has changed other than her clothes.
Tip four: Through inaction. It is important when your daughter negative self talks that you do not join in. If she wants to go on a diet, do not say you will do it with her. If she starts to compare herself to someone, never agree, even if she says, “That so and so is thin.” If you agree, it is like saying, “You are fat.” So, do not join in. Instead point out her positive features, but wait to do so until the topic of conversation has changed. That way there can be no mistake of comparison.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to