I've always tried to stress to my daughters that it's what's inside that counts in hopes that they would not fall into the same traps that I did as a child. However, I've noticed my daughter commenting on how much she weighs and that she wouldn't want to weigh any more. One of my girlfriends told me her fourth grader worries that she's too fat. It seems, no matter how hard we try, our daughters can easily become concerned or even obsessed with body image.
On parents.com they offer advice to a mom who's daughter thinks she's too fat. I was surprised to learn that experts say that half of third to sixth grade girls want to be thinner.
So what's a parent to do? Some of the links below discuss ways to try and help your child have a more positive self image and stay centered on the inward beauty. Another cool idea was born right here in Philadelphia area. Researchers at Temple University developed "Mypopstudio.com" aimed at teenage girls. There, they can create their own celebrity image. Since, so many icons in fashion and pop culture display unrealistic body types, this could be a great place to start!
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http://www.mypopstudio.com/about_site.php
http://www.parents.com/advice/parenting/better-parenting/what-to-say-to-a-child-who-thinks-shes-fat/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/helping-girls-with-body-image
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