Helping your child to build a positive body image

Family values, peer pressure, media images, and self-esteem affect body image for both teen boys and girls. Help your teenager to develop a positive body image that will serve your child well.

Tips for helping your teen develop a positive body image

• Create and maintain open lines of communication with your teen.   Be aware of changes in opinions about food, weight and body image.

• Talk with your teen about weight gain being a normal part of development, especially during the years of puberty.

• Avoid making negative statements about food, weight, and body size and shape.

• Allow your teen to make decisions about food, while making sure that there are plenty of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks on hand.

• Be aware of what type of media images your teen is viewing in magazines, music videos, and on television, and how they portray body image. Watch or read with your teen so you can talk about what she is seeing.

• Promote self-esteem by praising your teen's achievements, good decisions, and positive attitude.

• Encourage your teen to make positive self-statements and encourage her to rethink and rephrase negative statements.