by Joan Inong

Created on: August 20, 2010

Most teens deal with body issues. As they watch their favorite celebrities strut their stuff on the red carpet, or as they watch movies and television shows showing "perfect" bodies, teens feel like they have to measure the beauty of their bodies against those who are able to spend thousands on personal trainers and gym memberships. Fortunately, you can do your best to try to get your teen to accept his or her body. Here are some ideas.

1. Encourage your teen to be physically active

Teens who are physically active (i.e., engaged in sports or dance lessons, etc.) are less likely to think that their bodies are "less than perfect." They may have an easier time accepting their bodies because they know that they try to do their best to keep active and stay healthy. Teens who live sedentary lifestyles are at greater risk for having issues about their body, especially since they may feel that they are not doing anything to help. Working with your teen, find some activities that he/she wants to take on with a passion. If your teen is proactive, he/she may not have too much time to think about his/her body and its preconceived "flaws."

2. Be sensitive

For parents, it may be easy to think about weight or body issues in a lighthearted way. For teenagers, however, body issues can be life-encompassing. Don't joke with your teen about his or her looks, because chances are that your teen will take your words seriously. Instead, be encouraging yet disciplinary about how your teen wants to change his or her looks. If your teen wants to go on a diet, guide your teen to finding a healthy diet that will help him/her reach his/her goals.

3. Teach awareness

Show your teen that there are plenty of other teens who have the same body issues. You can find some documentaries or television episodes that feature teens who are struggling to accept their own bodies. Watch these shows with your teen. Hopefully, he/she will be able to relate to those shows. Make sure that after you watch these shows, you have a long conversation about any concerns that your teen may have. Your teen might be too shy to tell you anything, but it is always good to make an effort try to understand him/her.

Your teen may not accept his or her body right away, even after all of these efforts. But, remember that self-acceptance can be a life-long process. By helping your teen through this tumultuous phase in his/her life, you are fulfilling a very important part of being a parent.

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