6 Steps to Building a Positive Body Image
By: Konika Ray Wong M. Ed., Founder of Girl Power Science
Building a strong foundation for a positive body image in young girls is important as early as possible. Puberty can be an especially challenging time with so many mental and physical changes. The pandemic is magnifying those challenges with increased screen time and the desire to be in control of our lives.
Demystify the Brain Remodel: Explain the neuroscience behind the brain remodel during puberty and share tools that can stabilize mood swings. It’s important for growing girls to understand that the roller coaster of emotions is common and there are effective ways for them to work with those big feelings.
Teach Kids about Puberty Earlier: While many schools cover the topic of puberty in fourth or fifth grade, the ideal target to begin the conversation is second grade for girls. The pituitary gland begins sending signals that trigger the onset of puberty prior to visible signs appearing. Some girls develop breast buds as early as second grade. Explaining that having an increased appetite and gaining weight are signs that their growing bodies are healthy and strong helps proactively build a foundation for high self-esteem. Having a rounder belly is common during puberty and the extra fat in that area often distributes itself to the hips and breasts eventually.
Critically Consume Screen Time: It’s never too early to introduce basic media literacy skills. It’s easy to get kids to think more deeply about what they are watching. Seizing teachable moments and encouraging deeper thinking about commercials and advertisements is a great start. Showing kids the filters and photoshop tricks that advertisers use to erase imperfections helps them think critically and avoid comparing themselves to images they see. Beyond commercials, social media provides rich grounds for discussion. How often do people post stories that expose the imperfect aspects of their lives? How many times do people take selfies and perfect them before they actually post them on Instagram or Facebook?
Understand What We Can’t Control: Introducing a basic understanding of genetics and metabolism is very helpful in setting the stage for accepting our bodies. Most of how we look is predetermined before we are even born so it’s best to make the most of who we are meant to be.
Be Grateful for Body Functionality: Celebrate body functionality more than focusing on looks. Unfortunately, the most common compliment girls receive is about how pretty they look. Instead, focus on physical and mental strengths. It can also be effective to notice healthy habits and intentionally choose compliments that correlate. For example, correlating a beautiful glow with active exercise or nutritional food choices.
Dive Deep into our Identity: How we look is only one part of our identity and many parts make us strong. During puberty, interests often change. It can be an exciting time to try different activities and hobbies. Community service projects are an excellent way to fuel a sense of purpose. Passion projects help us get into our creative flow. We all inevitably look in the mirror and have a “bad hair day.” If we can remember all of our strengths beyond our looks, we can maintain a healthy perspective during those moments.
