Adolescence is characterized by significant changes. Even as a child physically transitions into adulthood they also begin to forge their own identity and independent thought. However, teenagers also face a lot of doubt and confusion during this time, and it is your role as a parent to guide them through this crucial period in their lives.
Among the most noticeable markers of change in this phase is a teenager’s physical appearance. While a normal part of growing up, these changes might bring about feelings of anxiety and discomfort in your teenager. At this time, they might begin to struggle with body image issues, which can impact their self-esteem.
As a parent, your support and advice are pivotal at this stage. Being present during this major change is key to helping your child develop a healthy self-image and building their self-confidence. Here are some suggestions on how you can encourage healthy discussions to nurture positive feelings and behaviors around body image in your teenager:
1) Help Them Anticipate Change
The many changes that come with adolescence can be quite overwhelming for a teenager. The process may be gradual, but puberty brings about changes that your teenager might not be fully prepared for. This is why it’s important to talk to your child about these changes early on.
Weight gain, in particular, while typical during puberty, might negatively impact your child’s self-esteem if it’s not clear to them that this is just a normal part of physical development. Explaining this and the other effects of puberty will help them anticipate the shifts that they will experience during this stage and give them a better appreciation for these normal processes.
Additionally, do your best to help a teenager understand that changes in weight should not be feared. Explain to them that their bodies are continuing to grow and develop and that the changes that they see in the mirror and on the scale do not define their value as an individual; if anything, they should help their bodies develop by practicing healthy eating habits and participating in regular physical activity.
To support their changing nutritional needs, provide them with ample healthy food options at home. Consider giving them multivitamins for teens Philippines’ healthcare experts trust to ensure that they get sufficient amounts of key nutrients needed for their development.
2) Promote Acceptance and Appreciation
Body image can be a sensitive topic, even for adults. For teenagers who are navigating the changes of adolescence, conversations about physical appearance can have lasting effects on their self-image. Promote positivity when discussing body image by focusing on a person’s behaviors instead of their weight or physical appearance. Also, avoid making comments about negative physical attributes in others and in yourself. Discourage making hurtful remarks or teasing about size or weight in the home to create a culture of appreciation instead of criticism. Talk to them about how a balanced diet and proper exercise contribute to overall fitness and how prioritizing health over appearance can help them live a happier and fuller life.
3) Discuss Media Messages
With social media being undeniably embedded in our daily lives, teenagers are constantly exposed to potentially harmful messages that can influence their opinions about beauty standards and body image.
Unfortunately, modern media typically equates beauty and success with a certain body type or appearance, which can send the wrong message about what society finds attractive and acceptable. And while it may be impossible to closely monitor your teen’s media consumption, it’s crucial that they realize that not everything they see on the screen is real.
Talk to them about how social media posts are most likely filtered and enhanced, and how TV shows and movies offer an idealistic depiction of life. Reinforce their critical thinking skills so that they won’t fall for unrealistic and unhealthy standards about body weight and appearance.
4) Set a Good Example
Your teenager’s concept of beauty and body image may depend on how you handle these issues as well. As a parent, your child may observe the way you treat yourself, especially how you behave around issues like body weight and self-image. Be a good role model to your child by practicing healthy habits and giving wholesome responses in situations that involve these concerns. Most importantly, prioritize healthy practices like enjoying food in balanced amounts and engaging in regular physical activities.
Being a teenager can be difficult for many reasons, with an evolving body image being one of them. While teens may no longer look like children, they require guidance all the same. As a parent, your oversight is vital for helping your teen develop into a well-rounded, thriving young adult who respects and appreciates their body. Even as you approach conversations about body weight and self-image with openness and empathy, you have to be careful to provide helpful information and to model the kind of behavior you want to see. This way, you can better help your teen come out of this important life stage with confidence and perceptiveness.
Business News Philippines was launched in October 2015 as a portal for readers to learn more about operating a business in the Philippines.
