PARENTS: THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR TEENS WITH THEIR BODY IMAGE
Written by Dorothy Watson
With constant exposure to peers, pop culture, and social media, teens today face so much pressure when it comes to their physical appearance. But parents can play a crucial role in helping their kids develop a positive, healthy body image and maintain self-esteem through empowering activities.
Manage Your Own Self-Talk
One of the single most important things you can do to encourage positive body image in your children is to practice positive habits for yourself and others. Our kids are like sponges and they absorb all of the words, actions, and practices of their parents. If you constantly put yourself down or make remarks about other people’s appearance and your child hears this, nutritionist Tanya Mark notes that they are more likely to notice the physical flaws in themselves. So do your family a favor and try to be positive about your own appearance. Catch yourself before you make an unkind remark about a stranger in public, and teach your kids to focus less on outer appearance. Encourage your children to focus on important traits like humor, compassion, empathy, and overall kindness — this can teach them to look beyond physical appearances and learn that people are more than just their looks and “beauty.”
Don’t Make Mental Health Taboo
As a parent, it can be scary to think that your child may have a mental health issue. But often, body image problems and other issues go hand in hand. Teens who feel badly about the way they look tend to feel bad inside, as well. They may develop an eating disorder or begin self-harming as a way to cope with their pain. Many teenagers begin abusing drugs or alcohol when faced with social pressure and inner stress.
It’s important to be able to recognize these issues in your own children and talk openly about the consequences of substance abuse and how it can impact the family. If you suspect your child may have an addiction, eating disorder, or mental health issue, seek help as soon as possible and avoid making the topic taboo.
Encourage Spending Time Outdoors
It’s a good idea for parents to encourage their children to practice habits that promote overall well-being whenever possible, especially since so many of us spend an incredible amount of time indoors. For example, get your kids outside whenever possible, whether it’s a family trip to a local park or simply sitting in nature and enjoying a good book. The idea is to get your kids to put down their devices and reconnect with the outside world for a bit. Don’t push them outside of the comfort zones too much; a simple walk around the block can work wonders.
Help Them Find Positive Stress Relief
Stress can also be a factor in your teen’s life. Academic, social, and inner pressure can cause your child to feel overwhelmed, and they may take their stress out on themselves. Address the issue by encouraging your kids to seek out positive stress relief. Set up a meditation space in your home and have each family member use it for mindful meditation or even yoga. However, make sure your meditation space is clean and clutter-free, as a chaotic setting can actually work against your meditative practice.
Hobbies are also a great way for teens to overcome stress. From painting to poetry to playing an instrument, having a hobby provides children with an outlet for their anxiety and tensions. Dance can also be a great outlet for creativity while enhancing your teen’s confidence and boosting physical health at the same time.
Talk to Teens About Peer Pressure
So much of your child’s body image can be influenced by you, but it can come from the outside world, as well. As your children grow up, it’s important to talk to them about the social pressures they can feel from friends, classmates, and even pop culture. If your teen loves to flip through fashion magazines and social media, be sure to discuss how ads and celebs use Photoshop to enhance their appearance. Help them recognize positive relationships with peers from negative ones. If you suspect your child is being bullied, try talking with teachers to find solutions to the problem.
Helping your teens develop a positive body image is important to their overall health and development. Maintain open communication, be positive about yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to address any serious issues. Healthy body image can help your teens stay healthier and happier now — and for the rest of their lives.
Dorothy Watson grew up with a single mother who wasn’t properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder for over a decade. In her mother’s honor, she created Mental Wellness Center to support those who are working toward improving their mental health.