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Home › Articles › Appearance › Curves Ahead!

Curves Ahead!

Surviving – and Helping – Your Preteen's Body Image

By Sue Marquette Poremba

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McWhirter's daughter has an advantage because her mom recognizes that the changes are coming and is being proactive. "Parents fear burgeoning adolescence," Nichter says. "They are afraid of the changes, and all that colors what parents think about their kids and puberty and how the changes are addressed."

Often parents, particularly mothers, are uncomfortable with their own body image, making it difficult for them to project a positive example for their children. It's a nasty cycle, Nichter says. "When mothers were teenagers, they didn't have good role models when it came to their body image, so it is harder for them to know how to be a good role model," she says.

Nichter also believes that parents and preteens can develop healthier lifestyles and learn to like who they are. Better eating choices is one way to accomplish this. Encouraging physical activity is another way to approach it. As children hit their preteens, participation drops off. However, both Busch and McWhirter have seen the positive aspects of keeping their sons and daughters involved with sports and physical activity.

"It has challenged their bodies, given them confidence in their body abilities and made them stronger and more flexible," McWhirter says.

"So far I think I've done a good job of preparing [my daughter] for puberty," Busch says. "I want to make sure I keep doing the right thing."

By the sound of it, she's on the right track – and you can be, too.


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