From Denise Witmer,
Your Guide to Parenting of Adolescents.
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Body image is psychological in nature. It is what your teen sees when she thinks about what she looks like in her mind's eye. Therefore, if negative thoughts are introduced, it can be hurtful to the self-esteem. As a positive self-esteem is a building block for your teen to become a success in life, it is important for parents to help their teens develop a healthy body image.

The first step in helping your teen shape a healthy body image is to see how your teenager feels about her body image right now. To find out, take our 15 question quiz: Does your daughter have a healthy body image?

Then use the following resources:

• What is Body Image?
• 7 Parenting Tips on Shaping a Positive Body Image
• FAQ: How does the media effect body image in teens?
• FAQ: How do I teach my teen media literacy?
• FAQ: Do boys have body image issues too?
• Eating Disorders: Signs and Symptoms

If you feel your teenager is struggling with body image issues, I strongly encourage you to talk to your family doctor and to take our parenting class on teenage self-esteem.

Take this article one step further:

Find out how this advice prevents teen smoking.

Parenting Poll: Do you think today's media is affecting your teen's body image in a negative way?

• Yes.
• No.
• I'm not sure.

See the poll results.