Boost Your Teen Daughter's Body Image
Magazines, television, the "in-crowd" at school. Teen girls get myriad messages from all over about how they're supposed to look. It's no wonder they often think they're too big, small, short, or tall.
As a parent, you can help your teen daughter like what she sees in the mirror. Work on building her self-esteem and she'll learn she's beautiful, inside and out. Here's how.
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Help her realize why she's special. Every night before she goes to sleep, ask her to list three happy moments from the day. Give her ideas if she's stuck—that good soccer play, the math problem she solved, the funny joke she told.
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Point her toward realistic goals in school, sports, and life. Setting the bar too high can lead to feelings of discouragement and failure. She should feel challenged and that she's aiming for a higher purpose.
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Encourage exercise. Studies show active teens have a better body image regardless of their weight. Drive your daughter to practice, cheer her on during games, and model healthy physical activity yourself. Get Dad involved, too. Fathers may have an especially important effect on their daughters' self-perception.
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Eat together. Family meals lead to teens who are better adjusted and less likely to engage in risky behaviors. A bonus benefit? They'll also have a healthier diet.
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Guide her toward places where she can belong. Help her get involved with friends, schoolmates, sports teams, or religious or neighborhood groups. Volunteering is a great way for kids to take on a meaningful or useful role—and realize there are more important qualities than outer beauty.
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Be a self-confident family. This makes your teen feel good, too. Study your heritage, get involved in the community, and care for extended relatives. Praise each family member for his or her strengths.
Even in happy, supportive families, poor self-esteem can happen and it can lead to eating disorders, including anorexia or bulimia. Watch for warning signs, such as an unusual concern about weight, using medicines such as laxatives, or an obsession with calories. If you spot them, talk with your child's doctor.
Publication Source:
“Adolescent Body Satisfaction: the Role of Perceived Parental Encouragement for Physical Activity.” J.S. Savage et al. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 90-8.
Publication Source:
“The Relationship Between Frequency of Family Dinner and Adolescent Problem Behaviors after Adjusting for Other Family Characteristics.” B. Sen. Journal of Adolescence. Vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 187-96.
Author:
Kuzma, Cindy
Online Source:
American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/parents-teens/590.printerview.html
Online Source:
American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/teens/eating/277.printerview.html
Online Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Healthhttp://www.girlshealth.gov/emotions/bodyimage/index.cfm.
Online Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Healthhttp://www.girlshealth.gov/emotions/feelinggood/index.cfm.
Online Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Healthhttp://www.girlshealth.gov/emotions/feelinggood/sc.boost.cfm
Online Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Healthhttp://www.girlshealth.gov/emotions/feelinggood/se.boost.cfm
Online Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women Healthhttp://www.girlshealth.gov/feelings/
Online Source:
American Academy of Pediatricshttp://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Helping-Your-Child-Develop-A-Healthy-Sense-of-Self-Esteem.aspx
Online Source:
American Academy of Pediatricshttp://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Ways-To-Build-Your-Teenagers-Self-Esteem.aspx
Online Source:
American Academy of Pediatricshttp://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Is-Your-Teen-at-Risk-for-Developing-an-Eating-Disorder.aspx
Online Editor:
Geller, Arlene
Online Medical Reviewer:
Haines, Cynthia, M.D.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Roux, Susan L., ARNP
Date Last Reviewed:
4/29/2012
Date Last Modified:
4/30/2012
© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.