Help and Advice relating to Eating Disorders
How can I help to promote positive body image for my teenage daughter?
Adolescence is a time of intense emotional and physical change, leaving many young people feeling overwhelmed, self-conscious and vulnerable to adopting disordered eating behaviors in an effort to control their developing bodies and cope with associated physical and emotional stressors. In an effort to promote positive self image, it is important to acknowledge who your child is as a person, emphasizing internal qualities, rather than focusing on or highlighting physical appearance. It is also very helpful to model healthy body image for your child, which involves speaking about your own body [and other people’s bodies] in a positive way and refraining from vocalizing critical remarks about your body or other people’s bodies with your child. Allow your child to see that you treat yourself and your body with respect and kindness. Discussions about dieting and weight loss should be avoided in front of developing adolescents since they are highly impressionable and absorb ideas readily. Instilling positive body image in your child requires significant insight and sensitivity. It is important to keep the lines of communication open with your child and to be watchful for any indicators that your child may be suffering from poor body image or engaging in abusive behaviors to manipulate his/her body.