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.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carOk. So you're a dad to be. If you're like... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Your child's teacher says that you need to find out... Read More
Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More
The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
To the untrained eye, it might look like a piece... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
Home schooling benefits children. As a parent, I feel it... Read More
1. They can make mistakes under your guidance2. They will... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Software for parental control is a useful tool, if applied... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
From the time the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock in... Read More
Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More
Many parenting books advise against eating out with young children.... Read More
As Mother's Day approaches I would like to give a... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
Parents of teenagers frequently ask what can be done to... Read More
A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Parenting |