Girl Body Image: You are Beautiful
Girls have lots of pressure from the media and fashion magazines to look flawless, blemish-free and very thin, like their favourite celebrities or models. What they don’t realize is that some digital enhancements are done to the photos to make women look “perfect”, therefore it is pretty much unrealistic to attain this ideal body. It is essential that we reinforce the importance of having a positive body image with our daughters, since self-esteem and body image are tied together and will affect how they feel about themselves. Poor self-esteem can lead to eating disorders and depression. Take the time to explain the touch-up of photos and, at the same time, get the conversation started about what it means to be beautiful inside and out!
Comparing
Girls start thinking at a young age about how they look, since they compare themselves to friends or siblings. They realize that they do not have the same body size and shape as others, so some can see this as being negative since they are not alike. Don’t think that it’s only because they are necessarily overweight; sometimes it’s because they feel too skinny and tall. If your daughter starts to have negative thoughts about herself, tell her the many beautiful traits that make her so unique and special. Explain to her that her body will go through many changes during puberty. She will get taller, her hips and thighs will be wider, and her weight will increase.
It’s also normal that she might feel stressed out, moody, or just unsure of herself. Beinggirl.com has great resources for young girls experiencing these changes, like this article on body changes during puberty. If ever your daughter complains about her weight gain or new body shape, as per my December article on Healthy lifestyle for Girls, it’s important for her to take good care of herself by eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise – not for her looks, but for her health.
Compliments
Don’t forget to compliment your daughter on a daily basis on how beautiful she looks wearing her favourite dress or with her hair in a ponytail – or even on her positive behaviour, such as how thoughtful she was to help her brother with his homework, or put the groceries away in the cupboards. That will boost her self-esteem and body image.
As mothers, we also play a tremendous role in molding our daughter’s self-assurance and how she views what a woman should be and look like. If you complain about your weight, are constantly on diets, and make derogatory comments about your appearance, she will definitely mirror you and have low self-esteem.
A woman’s body comes in different shapes and sizes, so let’s embrace it, be proud, and be beautiful!
For more information on how to talk to your daughter about puberty, you can visit the Always website!
What is your definition of being beautiful?
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Always, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Always.
You are so right digital enhancements,oh and the packed on make-up by artist
Beautiful is to me as simple as a smile and a friendly face 🙂
That is so true Cheryl!
Great message! It is so true and definitely an issue.
beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone can be beautiful, I’m certainly not but I am happy with who and what I am. Smile and the whole world smiles with you whether you’re beautiful or not. 🙂
Great attitude, love it!
To me, a beautiful person is someone who has a beautiful heart. Media is definitely hard on girls. My younger sister has an eating disorder that we are trying to tackle.
You are so right Stephanie. Hope she gets better soon.
Beauty to me is not looks but the inner person
Media sometimes makes it difficult on girls to have the perfect body,hair,skin & looks………but we are all beautiful
We certainly are!
Lovely article. Beauty is in the way you act towards yourself and others.
I find it so sad to see young girls who believe it takes make-up to make them beautiful when really they are hiding it.
More and more awareness of the topic in social media is great
This is a strong goal for me, to raise my daughter to be confident, happy and proud of herself!