Parents, Watch What You Say!

I hate my thighs. Look at all of this baby weight. My skin is too pale. I would be happier if I were taller, had bigger muscles, a thinner nose, a longer torso, fuller lips.
Do you catch yourself saying these things in front of your children? Do you frequently put yourself down? If so, you are not alone. It is rare today for women and girls to feel good about their bodies. People have always been interested in appearance, but the current pressure on women to be thin in order to feel acceptable is unprecedented. Many parents are unaware of the impact their own self-esteem has on their children. Almost everyone is dissatisfied with certain elements of their appearance, but keep in mind that when parents care for and appreciate their own bodies, they teach their kids to do the same. If you’re excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you.