Growing a Healthy Body Image

This month our agency presented the last workshop in the series "Understanding Today's Youth" in collaboration with Alpine County Behavioral Health: Body Image.

We learned a great deal about how our self talk, especially spoken criticism of our bodies can directly influence how our children feel about their own bodies. If children hear you speaking negatively about your own body, they will begin to focus negative attention on theirs as well. To help improve your child's body image, work first on not voicing those concerns. When discussing food and activity choices, focus on health rather than weight or appearance. Instead of saying, "I am on a diet and can't eat that" say, I am focusing on making better food choices. And instead of saying "I need to walk to burn off these thighs" say "Would you like to take a walk with me? I would love your company."  Be sure give thought and voice to the things you like about yourself and what you do well.



Besides the messages we inadvertently send to our children, the media consistently sends us and our children unrealistic standards of beauty. Models body sizes (~5'11" and 117 lbs) represent only 2% of American women. The average American woman wears a size 12 and the average American model wears a size zero. Models currently weigh 23% less than the average American women compared to only 8% less 20 years ago. Even plus-size models have been expected to reduce their size. Ten years ago the average plus-size model wore a size 12-18, currently plus-size models wear a size 6-14.

It is estimated that 100% of fashion images are digitally edited- providing an illusion of thinness, smoothness and bigger bust lines. While the difference between an average American woman and an average American model is drastic, marketing digitally editing images of those 2% bombards us with body images that are not humanly attainable; unrealistic waistlines, altered bust lines, blemish free, glowing faces....giving a new meaning to "picture perfect". Share this information in a manner that is appropriate for the age of your child so they are aware that photo advertisements and television and movie personalities are little more than cartoon characters.

Complimenting your child's appearance isn't in itself bad and really depends on context. Rather than saying "You are so pretty!" say, "That color really brings out the color in your eyes" emphasizing their uniqueness. Also be sure to help boost your child's self-esteem in ways that don't focus on appearance by noticing their capabilities and accomplishments.

Realize that boys are not immune from body image pressures. Photos of men are digitally edited as well. Boys may feel they need steroids, androgen enhancers, and protein powders to achieve an impossible look. Also realize that boys see the altered images of those 2% of women and may develop an unrealistic expectation of women's beauty. (The same goes for girls and impossible images of males) Be sure to include your sons and daughter when discussing fashion images of both men and women.

Also practice accepting compliments on your appearance. If someone says, "I love your dress!" Simply say, "Thank you!" rather than putting yourself down or making excuses like "Really?! I think my tummy looks awful in this!" Embrace the compliment! You are beautiful! We are all beautiful!