Helping Our Daughters to Love their Bodies even when we don’t Love our own...

Her Mother's Thighs written by Dara Chadwick has posed a very important question: How can we help our daughters love their bodies- when we don't love our own? This question is one parents are asking more and more as problems with body image and eating disorders become more common than ever. Hollywood and cosmetics and dieting companies are all hard at work to make us believe that our bodies still need improvement, but as a parent how can you make your daughter feel happy with her body?

Some of Dara's advice for building your daughters body images:

Watch your words: Sure, sometimes it's tempting to let loose with a wisecrack or a disparaging comment about your body when you look in the mirror. But if your daughter's in the room, think of her and bite your tongue.

Make health the priority: If your daughter's weight gain has you concerned, have a doctor advise you on good nutrition and exercise habits as part of overall good health. But don't let it be about weight.

Mind your mannerisms: Remember that looks, gestures, and sighs can hurt just as much as words.

Play to your daughter's strengths: Support her activities, hobbies and talents so she has lots of positive things to feel good about beyond appearance.

Toss the scale- or at least hide it: If the temptation to step on the scale daily is too much, weigh yourself at the gym or at a friend's house rather than at home. Don't let your daughter see you obsessing over a number.

Monitor your compliments: Resist the urge to focus on weight when doling out compliments to friends and family. Let your daughter hear you tell a friend she looks fantastic or healthy or happy without it being about having lost weight.

Strategise at the shops: Take a look in your trolley, and make sure you're gathering what you need to show her what balanced eating looks like. Aim for a mix of fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains and yes, treats.

Help your daughter feel that she looks her best: You may not love her style of dress, but as long as it's not dangerous or inappropraite, it's best to let her be. Make it your goal to help her feel confident among her peers.

Respect your body's wisdom: The body you're in today isn't the same one you grew up in. It may have given birth, survived an accident or an illness or carried you through difficult times. You wouldn't trade the lessons you've learned or the wisdom you've gained from those experiences, so give your body permission to reflect the changes it's been through.

What are your tips to building body image and teaching us to love our bodies?

What is your favourite feature about your body?

What makes you feel good about your body?

Her Mother's Thighs:

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