Today I have some great links for your about girls and the development of poor body image.
Tips to Encourage a Positive Body Image in Girls. Body image shifts dramatically in early elementary school. The author suggests that what moms say about their own bodies influences their daughters’ attitudes.
The Media and Body Image from WebMD. We all know the media perpetuates the “thin is beautiful” message. This article says we don’t have ban media, but suggests practical ways we can help our daughters look critically at media messages. The article, like the previous one, points out the impact on a daughter of her mother’s attitude toward her own body. This article also warns fathers about how they talk about women in front of girls.
Improving Your Body Image Through Catholic Teaching by Dr. John Acquiva. A theology of the body approach to improving our perception of our bodies. This book might give parents some tools for talking to a daughter about poor body image.
Exercise Improves Body Image for Fit and Unfit Alike. Research suggesting that regular exercise, and not the actual level of fitness, improves body image. This article is focused on adults, but it gives us yet another reason to put together a family-centered fitness routine. AHA! That’s the topic of the Fall 2015 issue of Tender Tidings!
Image Credit: Eugene Seergev (dreamstime.com)