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Princess Athletes
Avoiding Potential Body-image Problems By Teri Brown
Dr. Dorie McCubbrey, author of How Much Does Your Soul Weigh (HarperCollins, 2004), struggled with eating disorders for years. She believes the best way to head your daughter off at the pass is to be a role model. "Don't obsess about eating, weight or body image," she says. "Demonstrate a healthy attitude toward food, fitness and life. Teach children how to find their real identity, which has nothing to do with performance or getting the approval of others."
Dr. McCubbrey says it is important to validate your athlete daughters for their true beauty, which has everything to do with demonstrating their unique gifts and being who they really are. "Encourage them to excel because of the passion they feel for what they do, while finding balance and enjoying all areas of their lives."
Remember that eating disorders are not an inherent part of these sports. A careless comment from a coach or judge will not create an eating disorder in your daughter if her self-esteem is healthy. The benefit your daughter gains from participating in these sports far outweighs the possible risks. Trying and failing, trying and failing, then trying and succeeding builds character and teaches your daughter important life skills. By being an aware parent, you can give her both a love for her sport and her body – a gift that will last a lifetime.