Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not easy and can cause any parent a lot of stress. There's so much to worry about ? dating, drugs, alcohol, sex, school grades, just to name a few. But one crucial element often gets overlooked until it manifests itself in extreme ways (like through an eating disorder). I'm talking about self-image. It's extremely important that parents ensure that their children have a positive self-image, especially in relation to their body.
The key to ensuring strong self-esteem and a positive body image starts with the parent. If you don't feel positive about your self-image, then how can you expect your children to? While this is important for both genders, it is especially critical for raising a healthy daughter. And beginning the lessons when a girl is young is imperative, so don't wait until it's too late ? teaching your daughter to feel good about her body needs to start at a very young age.
Eating disorder experts say girls are developing eating disorders as young as 5 and 6 years old. And a recent study indicated that 70% of the sixth-grade girls they surveyed said they began worrying about their weight between ages 9 and 11. Why are so many young girls thinking that they are fat? Many are obsessing about their weight because they have parents who are preoccupied with their own poor body images.
While the statistics are disheartening, the good news is that there's a lot that can be done to help our children have positive self-images. And, even small changes that parents make can help. Here are few tips to help your children avoid warped and negative body images:
Remember that something as small as talking about losing weight in front of your kids can have very detrimental effects on their self-image as they age. Damaging behavior learned from a parent at a young age can take years for a child to overcome. So, the sooner you start incorporating the tips above into your life, the better for you child. But don't forget that it has to start with you ? make sure that you are incorporating healthy fitness and eating rituals into your daily routine and that you have a positive body image (no matter what your size or shape is)!
About The Author
Lynn Bode is dedicated to helping people get fit. Through her website company, www.workoutsforyou.com, she offers affordable online exercise programs to help you lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more. Custom programs for all fitness levels. Vist the site for a Free sample workout.
Chicago limo Skokie ..Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More
Finding out that a child has been born with a... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
The snow was getting heavier with each lift of the... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents... Read More
Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
? Let the child choose his or her own lunch... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
limo O'Hare Bonfield ..It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
It is human nature to feel competitive and envious toward... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
Imagine a child who lacks ownership of his own life,... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
Most teens go into the work world ill-prepared to manage... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
Before my daughter was born my house was... Read More
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
You do what you can to keep your little ones... Read More
Parenting |