Teen Body Image

For those of us with children entering their teen body image fascination phase please pause your reading and take a deep breath. This is a hard time for the family. No matter what we say or think this time frame is so hard to influence. You say right they think left. Tell your teenager that the proper diet consists of whole foods and lots of vegetables and they starve themselves for fast food.

So, where is that happy middle ground we seek? Sometimes it's hidden deep in your child's mind but a good way to start understanding them is to set the example without force. Exercise and a well balanced approach to life within your own choices can and will influence them even if they do not admit it.

Kids today are very aware of the trends in our culture(s). The media with the surge in popularity of the internet has provided a window of information like no other time in our history. A laser guided discussion on body image can touch off lot's of nerves with our children. They tend to want what they don't have and strive to keep up their body image with what ever their peer group is working towards.

Promoting a healthy teen body image starts in the kitchen but extends to the entertainment centers within a childs reach. What programs are you allowing in your home? Yes, parents still do have control whether they enforce this right or not can at time separate the happy from the disjointed families. So, stick to your guns, lock down those channels that promote the wrong age appropriate messages for your particular family and age range. A good teen body image is one that is surrounded by positive experiences and an understanding that they choose their destiny even if it is heavily influenced.

Showing an interest in their entertainment choices, although a strain for some, is a good investment and might even provide insight into their thought process. Their music and their video selection are about images they portray to themselves or through their friends. These are excellent windows of dynamic information that provides keys to their thought process and choices. A simple expression of a two-way street is sometimes shown by bringing up an artist that they follow in conversation. Not as a question mark but as a what do you think about so and so. Warning to all, first time you do this and heads will turn as this one is going to come at your teen from left field!