Dear Worried Mom,
I totally get why you’re reaching out. Honestly, a lot of girls start having issues with how they look. Based on the 2023 info from NOW, over half of American girls aren’t thrilled with their bodies.
Here’s a shocker: nearly half of the girls between 9-11 have tried diets. By 17? That number jumps to 78%! And college? That’s rough. 7 out of 10 college girls feel down about their looks, especially after peeking at social media. Even when they hit 60, many women still aren’t fans of their reflections, with some even thinking about surgery.
These feelings can stick around for life. It’s a big deal, right? But, look around – many ladies you know might feel the same.
Your daughter’s not alone in this. But, hey, it’s something to keep an eye on.
Feeling bad about our bodies can mess with our minds, even lead to some serious health stuff. It’s fantastic you want to step in early.
Dealing with these feelings can be tough. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Be her hero. Show her how it’s done. Skip the “do I look fat?” chats. Instead, chat about the cool things your body does, like how you rocked that 5K run or nailed yoga today.
- Tell her it’s cool to like herself. Break that silly rule that girls can’t brag a bit. It’s rough for girls to say good stuff about themselves. Change that!
- No more negative self-talk. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Girls often feel they gotta put themselves down, especially with friends around.
- Remind her she’s unique. Cut back on that social media time. Comparing to celebs or friends? It’s a fast track to feeling lousy.
- Drop positive vibes at home. Maybe slap some uplifting notes around the house, like “You’re awesome” or “Love yourself.”
Tackling this won’t be a breeze, but trust me, it’s worth it. Teaching young girls to love and value themselves? That’s pure gold.