Many teens suffer from an unhealthy body image this is because they are come constantly bombarded with what appears to be people with perfect looks in magazines, on the internet, and on television.
The teenage years are a time of self-discovery and when a teenager start comparing themselves with others they usually come up short. As a parent, you have to be aware of the psychological impact of your teen having a negative body image.
A negative image of their body can cause a teenager to have low self-esteem, in severe cases, they may develop eating disorders as well. This means that helping your teen to develop a healthy sense of self is extremely important. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Model Healthy Behavior
Remember that your teenager is always watching you. This means that you will have to set a good example. You need to eat healthily and speak positively about yourself and your body as well. If you realize that you have been guilty of speaking negatively about your own body then you should try to correct this.
When you are always criticizing the size of your hips or your hair your teenager is likely to notice and start focusing on these things in themselves as well. You also need to watch what you say about other people’s bodies as well. Try to avoid using words such as ugly or fat.
Avoid Critical Remarks
The next thing you need to do is to avoid being critical about your teen’s body. What you say matters. If your child has a weight problem then you should help them by strategizing how to formulate an exercise and diet plan.
Another example is if your child has cellulite you can help them by purchasing cream to reduce it. If they suffer from acne you can go to your dermatologist and come up with a treatment plan.
Whatever you do be supportive and let your child understand that their weight or looks do not define who they are as a person. Take every opportunity you can to compliment your teenager and focus on the positives.
Help Your Child Understand the World
Since the images that are all around your teenager can cause them to start judging themselves and comparing. It is important to tell them the reality of what they are seeing onscreen, in magazines, or on the Internet.
Let them know that many people in the spotlight have had their makeup done by professionals, stylists dress them and some of them have had their looks enhanced by cosmetic surgery.
Photographs that are placed in magazines are usually photoshopped and airbrushed so that models look perfect. Let your teen know the reality of what is happening in the media so that they don’t compare themselves unfavorably and unnecessarily.
Support Talent
Identify all the talents and skills that your teenager has and support those. Maybe they are good at music, art or dance. Try to focus on these things and commend them for those things.
Talk about all the good things you love about them and everything that makes them unique. Remember that in order for your child to develop good self-esteem they have to be able to see beyond the physical not just in themselves but in others as well.
Get the Whole Family Healthy
If your teen has a weight problem the best way to encourage healthy eating habits is to clean up your pantry. You need to keep as much junk food out of the house as you possibly can. Try to cook at home and give your family nutritious meals, avoid fast food whenever you can.
You don’t have to dive right in and make big changes all at once. For example, you can start by ordering fewer burgers and takeout.
Start with small goals and then work your way into bigger ones. Before you know it healthy eating will become a part of your lifestyle and as it becomes a part of your life weight loss will follow.
Raising a Healthy Teen
The best thing you can do for your teen is to help them to develop a healthy sense of self. It is not always easy when external forces seem to be working against you.
However, as a parent, there is a lot you can do to boost your child’s self-esteem. Teach your child not to compare themselves with others and compliment them whenever you can.
Make sure that you are modeling positive self-talk, proper eating, and emotional behavior. This is what will help your teen become a well were rounded and healthy individual.
For more posts on raising teenagers read 10 Habits for success in communicating with teens.
