How to Improve Poor Body Image in Teens

In today's superficial society, a person's physical appearance is considered to be extremely important. This is especially apparent with the media always portraying that in order for someone to have a successful, and happy life, that they must have the perfect body. The media's hidden message is that it is all about sex appeal, and it can be seen with girls as young as five already on a diet and/or trying to look "sexy". With celebrities always talking about weight loss and the thinner celebrities considered to be the most beautiful, it is no wonder that children grow up with unrealistic standards of beauty.

If you feel that your child has a poor body image but does not have an eating disorder, then there are many things that you can do to help them.

1. Try to limit their exposure to the media. This is obviously going to be extremely difficult, but do it in ways such as encouraging them to do fun, physical activities that they enjoy instead of watching television. After school activities are also encouraged as it enables them to make more friends while being more physically active, therefore increasing their self esteem.

2. Try to limit or avoid initiating conversations about their weight because that will only make them feel more afraid and insecure. Only be willing to talk about weight issues if they bring it up first, so make sure that they know you are always willing to listen. Also, do not tell them to eat more or watch them eat as doing this will only make them feel more uncomfortable.

3. Try to compliment them more not on their looks but when you notice them doing good work on something. Spend more quality family time together. Children often feel bad about themselves because they feel like no one cares about them, so spending more time together is a good way to show them that you love them.

Remember that although it is normal for teenagers to feel insecure about themselves at times especially during the adolescent age, it is not normal if they are obsessing and going into depression about it. Seek professional psychological help for treatment if you believe that your child is starting to have any kind of eating disorders or showing any other signs that you believe to be abnormal behavior.