March 2010-Parent Tip on Body Image
Body image is defined as a "...concept of one's physical appearance based on self-observation and the reaction of others" (Discovery School, retreived 2-2009). One's body image may or may not be reality but instead evaluates themselves with an image of the "perfect" person in their mind and feel they fall short. Someone who is pleased with their body shape is someone who has a "positive self-image."
So how does a parent encourage a healthy and positive body image? Especially given the competition and influence of the media and peers?
Teens are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are changing and they are getting used to the physical changes that occur with puberty. There is also a fine line between encouraging healthy eating habits and less emphasis on dieting and physical attributes.
Here are some quick tips for parents from www.kidshealth.org :
1. Accept and Understand. Accepting where your child/teen is at is important and realize this will not always dominate their lives.
2. Give Lots of Compliments. Provide reassurance to your child about their looks AND other important qualities.
3. Compliment What's Inside Too. Notice out loud all the personal qualities that you love about your kids. Provide counterpoints for their negative statements about themselves.
4. Talk About What Appearances Mean. Discuss what appearance means and how they can express themselves with their own personal style.
5. Set Reasonable Boundaries. Be reasonable but set limits on the amount of time your child/teen spends grooming.
6. Be a Good Role Model. Do you nitpick about your appearance? Talk instead about what you can do, not just how you look.
Lastly, have a critical eye when looking at televisions shows, movies, ads on t.v, and magazines and discuss the process of airbrushing and photo shop. Some great resources are listed below:
http://www.smartmouth.org (advertising and food myths, healthy recipes)
www.pbs.org (Search for "Don't Buy It" section where there are examples of modeling and advertising tricks.)
http://www.kidshealth.org
www.aboutourkids.org
http://www.discoveryschool.com
If your child/teen is routinely checking his/her weight and becoming obsessed beyond what is typical, please feel free to call me for more resources and support.
Thanks!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
School Counselor
206-329-3260 X220
So how does a parent encourage a healthy and positive body image? Especially given the competition and influence of the media and peers?
Teens are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are changing and they are getting used to the physical changes that occur with puberty. There is also a fine line between encouraging healthy eating habits and less emphasis on dieting and physical attributes.
Here are some quick tips for parents from www.kidshealth.org :
1. Accept and Understand. Accepting where your child/teen is at is important and realize this will not always dominate their lives.
2. Give Lots of Compliments. Provide reassurance to your child about their looks AND other important qualities.
3. Compliment What's Inside Too. Notice out loud all the personal qualities that you love about your kids. Provide counterpoints for their negative statements about themselves.
4. Talk About What Appearances Mean. Discuss what appearance means and how they can express themselves with their own personal style.
5. Set Reasonable Boundaries. Be reasonable but set limits on the amount of time your child/teen spends grooming.
6. Be a Good Role Model. Do you nitpick about your appearance? Talk instead about what you can do, not just how you look.
Lastly, have a critical eye when looking at televisions shows, movies, ads on t.v, and magazines and discuss the process of airbrushing and photo shop. Some great resources are listed below:
http://www.smartmouth.org (advertising and food myths, healthy recipes)
www.pbs.org (Search for "Don't Buy It" section where there are examples of modeling and advertising tricks.)
http://www.kidshealth.org
www.aboutourkids.org
http://www.discoveryschool.com
If your child/teen is routinely checking his/her weight and becoming obsessed beyond what is typical, please feel free to call me for more resources and support.
Thanks!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
School Counselor
206-329-3260 X220