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Healthy body image: Tips for guiding girls
Talking about body image
Talking about body image with your daughter can help her become comfortable with her body shape and relate to food in a healthy way. When you discuss body image, you might:
- Explain the effects of puberty and genetics. Make sure your daughter understands that weight gain is a normal part of her development, especially during puberty. Explain that body shape also is largely influenced by genetic factors.
- Discuss media messages. Television programs, movies, music videos, Web sites, magazines and even some children's toys may send your daughter the message that only a certain body type is acceptable. Check out what your daughter is reading or watching and discuss it with her. Encourage her to talk about and question what she's seen or heard.
- Discuss self-image. Talk to your daughter about her self-image and offer reassurance that healthy body shapes vary. Ask her what she likes about herself and explain what you like about her, too. Your acceptance and respect can help her build self-esteem and resilience.
- Use positive language. Rather than talking about "fat" and "thin," encourage your daughter to focus on maintaining a healthy weight by eating right and staying active. Encourage family and friends to refrain from using hurtful nicknames and joking about people who are overweight or have a large body frame.
Make sure your daughter knows that she can always come to you with questions or concerns about her body or self-image.
Other strategies
In addition to talking to your daughter, consider other strategies to promote a healthy body image:
- Team up with your family doctor. Your family doctor can help your daughter set realistic goals for body mass index and weight based on her personal weight history and overall health. The doctor can also help identify early indicators of an eating disorder by asking questions about your daughter's eating habits and satisfaction with her appearance during routine medical appointments.
- Help establish healthy-eating habits. Offer healthy meals and snacks, but be careful to let your daughter make choices about the food she eats.
- Counter negative media messages. You may not be able to shield your daughter from media images that promote an idealized image of women's bodies. You can, however, show her books, articles and movies about women who are famous for their achievements — not their appearance. For example, consider giving your daughter a subscription to a news magazine instead of a fashion magazine.
- Encourage a positive school environment. Support school policies that aim to stop size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing and name-calling.
- Praise achievements. Help your daughter value what she does, rather than what she looks like. Look for opportunities to praise her efforts, skills and achievements.
- Encourage physical activity. Participating in sports and other physical activities can help promote good self-esteem and a positive body image. Consider encouraging activities that don't emphasize the importance of weight or value leanness.
- Set a good example. Explain to your daughter that you eat a healthy diet and exercise for your health — not just to look a certain way. Also, think about what you read and watch as well as the products you buy and the lessons your choices send.
When to see a doctor
Developing and maintaining a healthy body image isn't an easy task for girls. If your daughter is struggling with a negative body image, consider professional counseling. Additional support may give your daughter the tools she needs to counter social pressure and feel good about her body.
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References
- American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report-full.pdf. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Report of the Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls: Overview. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx?item=3. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Teen magazines and their effect on girls. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Media/Pages/Teen-Magazines-and-Their-Effect-on-Girls.aspx. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Eating disorders? American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/pages/Eating-Disorders.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Points to make with your teen about the media. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Media/Pages/Points-to-Make-With-Your-Teen-About-Media.aspx. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Harbeck-Weber C (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 4, 2010.
- Daughters. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/pages/Daughters.aspx. Accessed March 5, 2010.
- Presnell K, et al. Risk factors for body dissatisfaction in adolescent boys and girls: A prospective study. The International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2004;36:389.
- Derenne JL, et al. Body image, media, and eating disorders. Academic Psychiatry. 2006;30:257.
- Tiggemann M. Body dissatisfaction and adolescent self-esteem: Prospective findings. Body Image. 2005;2:129.
- Zametkin AJ, et al. Psychiatrics aspects of child and adolescent obesity: A review of the past 10 years. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2004;43:134.
- Eating disorders. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/eating.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Helping your overweight child. Weight-control Information Network. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/over_child.htm. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Body image and your kids: Your body image plays a role in theirs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/bodyimage/kids/. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Body image and eating disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.girlshealth.gov/emotions/bodyimage/index.cfm. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Girls and body image. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.family.samhsa.gov/be/gnb_image.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2010.
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