Demystifying Unhealthy Media Messages
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 WatchesTry 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 SpeakThe 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 TalentsGirls 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.
If you found this helpful, these articles and forums might help, too:
Article:How Your Body Image Influences Your Daughter’s
Article:Your Daughter’s Body Image
Forum:Giving "The Talk"
What others are saying
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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! -
Shania, 11/23/2009 10:56:28 AM
I havent started my period yet but im still a virgin i started last months but its late this months my mom is scared that im pregnate but i know im not because im still a virgin im scared that their might be something wrong with me
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LILIAN, 1/14/2010 3:50:46 PM
MY DAUFHTER STARTED HER PERIOD BUT SHE ONLY SAW IT FOR ONE DAY. IS IT NORMAL? -
Barbra, 1/17/2010 4:05:18 PM
what a fantastic article this is very important to teach! -
kaylie, 2/3/2010 6:40:59 PM
this is kinda weord to me because I learned about this yesterday,but I knew it was going to come some day because I've seen and heard about these products before so I am a little nervous to have my period -
Patty , 2/8/2010 6:16:30 PM
My daughter is 10 yrs old and is developing now and this article helped me to get a different perspective on the situation. Thank you! -
Stephanie, 2/21/2010 12:36:59 AM
Wow i love kotex pads im 14, going to be 15 and just got my period 01-21-10!!!
-it wasnt that bad for the first time!:) -
Jessica, 2/21/2010 4:19:24 PM
my daughter and i read this and she really enjoys this website along with this article. she is a very healthy 12 year old weighing 100 pounds exactly, she has her period and i encourage her to exercise and eat healthy, it is catching on and she is just brilliant. But im sorry to say that if your child is unhealthy that is your own fault, im not saying you should watch EVERYTHING your child eats, just encourage them to be healthy. Also if you are unhealthy your child is more likely to be unhealthy, i am 37 years old and i am weighing 126 pounds and 5'6 in hight, im healthy therefore my daughter is healthy! and thank God to that. i hope i encouraged you all to start a life changing experience. and to Lillian yes it is 100% normal for your daughters period to only last one day, i know this because I am a gyno, its just irregular, just ask her to keep a calendar, hope i helped, -
caitlen, 3/7/2010 8:39:14 AM
I thank I am going through this because i keep thanking about stuff i dont need to worry about. Just telling the people who have not started this, it is kinda scary the first time.
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