July Article
Body Image
By Bev Hillman
Vancouver Personal Training
 As
a mother, what kind of message are you sending your daughter about
body image?
If you are not satisfied with your body and make comments about your thighs and cellulite your daughter may start examining her own thighs more closely and decide she's not too happy with hers either.
If a mother is saying "I am too fat, I need to lose weight before I can consider wearing a certain piece of clothing out in public" - what kind of message is that sending to your daughter? A daughter could easily interpret that to mean that a woman must be skinny in order to do things she wants to do or thin in order to be beautiful enough to be seen in public or lean in order to be loved.
A young girls' mother is her most important role model. Values, principles and beliefs are instilled at such a young age and last a lifetime. If a young girl believes you have to be skin and bones to be attractive, she will struggle with her weight and body image for the rest of her life.
If you compare yourself with other women or models in magazines, your daughter will start comparing as well. Make sure and remind your daughter that each of the models is made up for hours and air-brushed to create the final unrealistic image. Be sure to discuss how unrealistic, unattainable and unhealthy this is. As well, as the unhealthy consequences - poor body image, extreme dieting, anorexia, bulimia and death.
Girls as young as five years old are dieting! Where are they getting the idea for the need to diet and lose weight? Yes, the media bombards us with images but children are always watching and taking mental notes that can put it a lot closer to home.
If your eating habits are such that you are depriving yourself of all goodies, eating no-fat processed food products and sugar substitutes - your daughter will adapt the same habits. Instead focus on encouraging your daughters to eat lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains and drink lots of water. Focus on being healthy, not thin. Avoid exercising excessively - what message is it sending if you consistently sacrifice other things in your life because you have to go to the gym?
As mothers, we must realize that children are strongly influenced by our actions. We have the power to help our daughters grow up into strong, confident and beautiful human beings - mentally and physically.
If you do notice your daughter is practising unhealthy eating and exercising habits, stay calm but seek help by consulting with your physician. S/he will be able to give you a referral to see someone who specializes in this area.
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