A Parent's Role

from Focus on the Family
  • Examine your attitudes and behaviors regarding weight and appearance. Talk with your children about genetic differences in body types and the devastating effects of prejudice.
  • Examine what you are modeling acceptance of self in all circumstances, appropriate and reasonable measures to deal with body functioning and size or self-condemnation, open or subtle criticism of spouse's body, extreme diets, etc.
  • Examine your dreams and goals for your children and other loved ones. Are you overemphasizing physical appearance and body shape, particularly for girls?
  • Avoid categorizing foods as "good" and "bad" and be a good role model by eating sensibly, using exercise as a path to good health and enjoyment and accepting yourself.
  • Do not avoid activities (such as swimming, sunbathing, etc.) because they call attention to your weight and shape.
  • Do whatever you can to encourage your teenager's self-respect based on intellectual, spiritual, athletic and social endeavors.
  • Practice and demonstrate taking people for what they say, feel and do not for how thin they are.
  • Be committed to helping your family become discerning regarding media messages which distort the true diversity of human body types and imply that a slender body means happiness and success.
  • Discuss celebrities whose lives are dysfunctional and filled with problems in spite of having the "perfect body."
  • Look at what's wrong with the message "thin is best" rather than what's wrong with your body.
  • Educate your children about weight discrimination and their responsibilities for preventing it.
  • Remember, if parents are sensible about food, kids will be too.
Copyright © 1999 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

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