Being a caregiver for a child or teenager has never been easy. With the constant presence of social media, digitally altered photos, and targeted marketing by beauty and food companies, supporting young people in developing a healthy body image can feel overwhelming.
IMAGE EFFECTS ASK THOSE WHO DO NOT EXIST
The negative image is a common problem faced by the youth. It affects 40-50% of school-aged children, and more than 70% of teenage girls report that they have a desire to change their appearance or weight. Oftentimes, girls are under pressure to be thin while boys are under pressure to be fitter. Body image concerns are rooted in culture and social identity.
A negative body image is associated with depression, low self-esteem, and poor weight management behaviors. On the other hand, young people with a healthy body image were less likely to eat, have body exams (regular body exams), drink alcohol, or smoke cigarettes.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
So, how can we support our children in having a healthy relationship with their bodies?
1. Use positive or neutral language
It is important to be aware of the words we use to describe body, diet, and exercise. The following are examples of neutral or positive sentences:
- Beauty looks different for everyone.
- Eating is a way to fuel our body.
- Exercise is good for everyone.
2. Try to avoid marks
Every family has different traditions around food, but it may be helpful to stay away from general names. When we call food good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, it can be misleading. It can also lead to feelings of guilt and behavior to control the weight. For example, although many people consider kale “healthy,” it’s not good to eat just kale for every meal. If we consider cake as “bad” and refuse to eat it, it can lead to missing celebrations (like birthday celebrations) and feelings of powerlessness. This can lead to eating more bread than intended.
3. Be careful how you talk about yourself
How you talk about yourself sets an example for how young people talk about themselves. Talk about yourself in a welcoming way. It can help to focus on what the body can do, not what it looks like.
4. Encourage youth to think critically about media
Ask your child or teenager what they think about the images they see and encourage them to remember who they are watching. Do they think the images are real or altered? Does it make them feel good? Also, explain that the beauty of society is always changing. If they pursue it, they will be chasing a moving object that may never feel like they are old enough.
5. Know the warning signs
Watch for warning signs of developing anxiety disorders, such as:
- Changes in emotions or behavior: feeling sad or anxious more than usual or avoiding activities they used to enjoy (for example, going to the pool).
- Bad eating habits: skipping meals, not eating in certain settings, or changes in exercise patterns or food intake or choices.
- Jokes and bullying: whether at home, at school, or in the community, bullying can be unhealthy. Stop any jokes you see and talk to your child or children about other words they might hear.
- Negative personal statements: If your child talks negatively about themselves, it may be a sign that they may need support. What they say out loud can show how they feel inside.
When you need help
Two red flags that will indicate that your child needs professional help are an increase in pain and/or a decrease in activity. I recommend starting by sharing your concerns with your pediatrician who can direct you to mental health support in your community. If your teen is already in therapy, bring your concerns to the table so they can be included in a comprehensive treatment plan.
