Children grow up so quickly! Doesn't it feel like

As children approach their teenage years, they start going through major changes in their outward appearance and naturally become more and more interested in how they look. It is also during this time that they start forming their own body image. Their body image is how they perceive their body; it is their opinion of their outward appearance. It can be influenced by their experiences and shaped by the opinions of others and by cultural messages, most prominent of which is found on TV, magazines and all forms of media. With so much hype about looking a certain way to be 'accepted,' more and more young ones are getting pressured to conform. And with such skewed, unattainable standards, children are easily led into thinking that they are not good enough and start to develop poor body image.

A negative body image can foster feelings of depression, hopelessness and anxiety. It will affect your children's self-confidence, self-acceptance and self-worth. As parents, we are in a unique position of influence to help our children build a positive body image and boost their self-esteem to be the best that they can be. Here are a few tips: