Womanthismonth.com July 2024 79 LIFESTYLE| parenting Help your teen see the beauty in diversity. Seek out media that showcases all body types and challenge unrealistic beauty standards by praising real, diverse representation. Expose them to movies, shows and magazines that feature characters of all shapes and sizes. Promote healthy eating habits and regular exercise for overall well-being, not just weight control. This will help them develop a positive relationship with food and movement. Focus on the importance of nourishing their bodies with healthy foods to fuel their activities and promote overall health, not just achieving a certain number on the scale. The most important tip is to create a safe space for open communication. Listen actively without judgment and reassure your teen of your unwavering support. Let them know they can express their feelings and concerns freely. If they’re struggling with their body image, don’t dismiss their worries. Validate their feelings and encourage them to talk openly about what’s bothering them. If they’re hesitant to talk to you, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor specialising in adolescent development. A therapist can provide them with a safe space to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, this is a team effort. By fostering open communication, equipping your teen with self-acceptance, and cheering them on every step of the way, you can help them conquer the confidence course of body image and emerge with a healthy selfesteem that shines brighter than any filtered picture. They may still face challenges, but with your support, they’ll have the tools they need to navigate the complexities of body image and build a strong sense of self. This journey won’t be a sprint, but a marathon, and your presence as a supportive and understanding parent will make all the difference. The good news is, there are many ways you can empower your teen to conquer the confidence course of body image. Start by being a body positive champion. Teens are keen observers, picking up on how you talk about yourself. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on health and well-being, not just weight. Show them that you value your own body for its capabilities and what it allows you to do, not just how it looks. Shift the focus to celebrate your teen’s achievements and strengths that go beyond appearance. Highlight their talents, skills and personality traits. Let them know you’re proud of them for winning the debate team competition, not just for the way they look in their new outfit. Puberty is a natural process, not a reason for shame. Talk openly about physical changes and answer questions honestly without judgment. Normalise these changes by discussing them as a normal part of growing up. bystander TeachMeet2 Following the success of the first TeachMeet event at Nadeen School, TeachMeet2 was announced. This collaborative event featured speakers from Bahrain’s outstanding international schools and was hosted at Nadeen School’s new Dilmunia Campus.
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