Demystifying Unhealthy Media Messages

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The average girl is exposed to about 180 minutes of media a day, including music videos featuring ultrathin singers who seem to have it all, TV shows where boys prefer the skinny cheerleader over the well-proportioned overachiever, and fashion magazines filled with super-short and tight clothing trends. It’s no wonder girls roll their eyes when they’re told beauty is on the inside; the majority of what they see and hear tells them otherwise. It’s impossible to shield your daughter from these unhealthy media messages completely. But by using these tips to help her recognize that they are unrealistic, you can help her maintain a positive body image.

Watch What She Watches

Try watching your daughter’s favorite TV show with her, and talk about how the female characters are portrayed. Ask her how she feels about the girls on the covers of her magazines. Remind her that nearly all those girls have personal trainers and stylists, and have all been airbrushed to look a certain way. If you can help your daughter realize how unrealistic these images of her “role models” really are, it will be easier for her to feel good about the way she looks, flaws and all.

Think Before You Speak

The best way to keep your daughter's feelings about her body positive is to lead by example. Girls notice when their mothers obsess about working out, what they eat and how they look. Try to concentrate on things about your body you are happy with, and your daughter will learn to find the things about her body that she can be proud of.

Develop Her Talents

Girls involved in extracurricular activities tend to have higher self-esteem and fewer body image issues. Not only do they divert attention from unhealthy media messages for an extra hour or so each day, they help develop talents and find a sense of pride and self-worth.

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What others are saying.

Nancy, 11/6/2009 8:34:11 PM
This is a very good article! I agree wholeheartedly.

Kate, 11/7/2009 12:17:23 AM
As much as my daughter and I talk, there is no telling her that she is NOT "fat," despite the fact that she is of average build, and has a gorgeous face, and an incredible personality! I talk to her about eating "heathily" and getting proper excercise, so that she will feel good about herself and how she cares for herself. Even still, she talks of wanting to be "skinny" and is constantly looking in the mirror and be-rating herself. I keep trying to be a good role model as well, but mostly try to keep the communication flowing between us!!!!!!!!!!!!

karla, 11/7/2009 10:17:36 PM
this is a very,very, good article for my daugthers' and I.I agree wholeheartedly thanks.

Daughter, 11/8/2009 9:03:32 AM
This article won`t help...

Leslie, 11/9/2009 8:55:46 AM
I grew up reading all those "fashion" mags. The one thing I haven't done is buy those types of mags for my 2 daughters, now 21 and 16. They both are involved in sports which always helps one's self image. I definitely grew up with an unrealistic view of beauty and "thinness." I finally realized how unhealthy that really was fortunately before I could push it onto my girls.

TaysMom, 11/9/2009 10:02:16 AM
Wonderful article - Thanks!

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