Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall…

In last week’s blog post, ‘Beyond Barbies and Baby Dolls’, we reviewed a recent study that analyzed self-sexualization in girls, revealing that even from the young age of six, many begin to perceive themselves as sex objects.

This information presents a growing concern:  If girls begin to identify themselves in such a way from a young age, how does this impact the way they will feel about their bodies in the future?  If children are left to feel that something about themselves or their body doesn’t measure up to an unrealistic standard, it makes sense that as a result, feelings of negativity and low self-esteem will develop.  Unfortunately, it is here that eating disorders and other destructive behaviors take their roots, imprisoning the vulnerable minds and spirits of these innocent beings.

If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child, reading these things is no doubt disturbing and alarming. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help create a solid foundation for the future of your loved one, helping in the development of a positive body image that will strengthen them through any uncertainty.

Interestingly enough, this study also unveiled that media consumption did not have as great an impact on the girls as their maternal influence.  Although, in the light of the numerous negative body image messages produced through the mass media, it may seem that parents’ efforts are meaningless in comparison, or that their battle for their child’s well-being has failed or is lost.  However, nothing could be farther from the truth.  If you are a parent concerned for your child’s future, if you want to do everything you can to prevent your child from developing an eating disorder or struggling with negative body image, be empowered with the knowledge that you can!

Parents and caregivers are a mirror to their child, and children will reflect what they observe in their own parents.  If you are hoping to create a positive body image in your own child, the best place to start is by looking within.  Are you obsessive about your weight or appearance?  Do you have a healthy relationship with food?  Addressing these important questions is crucial in understanding what you may be exhibiting to your own children or what subtle messages you may be sending them.  In a society that tells us its “normal” to be on a diet constantly or take extreme measures to be fit or healthy, it can be confusing to know how to live outside of this.  If we are to be a part of the raising of a new generation that has a healthy and positive body image, breaking free from any destructive behaviors or lifestyles is key.

Modeling health to your child can be as simple as being physically active together (like taking a bike ride together or having a dance party), refraining from talking about weight and dieting, and emphasizing food as fuel for our bodies rather than an emotional Band-Aid.

Ask yourself, ‘How do I want my child to perceive themselves as they grow’?  As a parent, you can give your child the most invaluable gift of all through the way you care for and nurture them AND yourself!  Negative body image and eating disorders are never desirable or wanted.  Take the time to reflect and discover what part you can play in preventing these things from developing in your child.

To read more about strategic ways to help build your daughter or son’s positive body image, please continue reading here.

About Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC

Jacquelyn Ekern founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder.