Building a Healthy Body Image in Your Teen
Understanding Body Image
Understanding and discussing body image with your teenager can be really tough. Adolescents get a ton of their messages about body image through Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Although these platforms provide opportunities for self-expression, they also fuel unhealthy comparisons and negative body image.
Body image is how someone feels and thinks about their appearance. During adolescence, it's normal to feel especially self-conscious due to the changes happening during puberty and the pressures from society. It's important to remember that body image is something that can affect people throughout their lives and can be influenced by both internal and external factors.
External influences can often be subtle, like a friend's comment about needing to exercise to "earn" their dessert, or they can be more widespread, like the idealized images on social media. It's important to have open and empathetic conversations with your child about whether they are comparing themselves to others and how they are reacting to the things they see or hear. Understanding their perspectives is crucial in addressing any concerns they may have about their body image.
What You Can Do as a Parent
As a parent, there are several steps you can take to help your teen develop a healthy body image:
Help your teen recognize what makes them unique. One way to do this is by asking them to share three positive things that happened during their day each evening. If they need help, you can suggest examples—like a kind gesture they made, a creative idea they came up with in class, or a new skill they practiced.
Refrain from commenting on your teenager's looks, as it can link appearance to self-worth. Instead, focus on their kindness, intelligence, or creativity.
Be aware of how you talk about your own body around your child. If you frequently criticize your appearance, your teen might pick up on these habits.
Remind your teen that people come in all shapes and sizes, and that these differences are what make us human. When your teen makes a comment about someone’s appearance—whether it’s a classmate, a celebrity, or a character on a show—use it as a teaching moment.
Encourage the whole family to be active and focus on the benefits of nutritious foods rather than calorie counting. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad" to prevent unhealthy eating habits. Research shows that when parents prioritize healthy living over dieting, their children are more likely to have a positive body image.
Empower your kids to think critically about what they see on TV and social media. Help them understand that many images are edited and don't always show the true picture of reality.
When It’s Time to Take Action
If you notice that your child is struggling with their body image or relationship with food, approach the conversation with empathy and care. Focus on their overall well-being, and emphasize the importance of self-care and confidence, rather than focusing on weight or appearance.
For further help, consider working with a therapist on our team to help determine the level of care for your teen.
By: Kelley Tokarski, Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #14215) is under the supervision of Curt Widhalm, LMFT #47333
References
Boost Your Teen Daughter's Body Image
Fighting negative body image issues in kids and teens
Social Media Effects Regarding Eating Disorders and Body Image in Young Adolescents
Untangled by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.
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