So often I hear parents wondering how and when to approach the issue of weight and body image with their children. When we talk of body image, we talk of one’s perception they have of their body – how they view themselves. In today’s society of growing pressures and challenges, so many more young boys and girls fight this internal battle. Empowering teens to be their best and learn to be okay with themselves may at times seem like a never ending story with the constant media circus of the new “fad” diets and slim new looks that they are exposed to daily. One of the first things I encourage all parents to do is bring the issue to the table. By facilitating open discussion within the family, teens are more likely to feel safe and secure to communicate their worries, fears and challenges. At the dinner table, have a “strength discussion” – a conversation based on each other’s strengths.
Ask your children, “What was one of your strengths you used today?” When you talk of strengths, talk outside the box; strengths do not have to be limited to academic or sporting achievements. Honesty, humility, bravery are just some of the strengths we tend to forget. I believe children need to know that perfection is a myth; the glammed up models in the magazines are even fake having undergone touchups and digital remastering. Discovering who they are, what are important to them, and what they value are the first steps to believing in and being okay with themselves. By not knowing who they are, they rely on other people and sources to determine it for them. Lets not be afraid to talk about the big and scary things. Or is it a reflection of something within yourself?
