Transitioning from early childhood to adolescence is tough for boys and girls. The dramatic physical changes teens undergo can affect their body image and self-esteem.

"During puberty adolescents gain weight, the proportions of their bodies shift, muscle mass is gained and secondary sex characteristics, like body hair, emerge. Often this shift in physicality translates to disappointment as the boy who was once comparable in height with his peers, now feels tall and gangly and the girl whose body has matured quickly thinks she is fat and bloated."

Parents need to be aware of this potential shift in body image, especially since media and advertising are so saturated with physical images that are unrealistic and unobtainable. Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Help him process his emotional reaction to his physical changes. Reinforce her value as a person, independent of her size or shape. Source: BellaOnline

Labels: body_image, parents, puberty

The transition into adolescence is difficult for most girls. As their hormones change and bodies begin to develop, they become more aware of how they look - not only to themselves, but to other people.

"The National Institute on Media and the Family estimates that 53 percent of 13-year-olds are unhappy with their body image. Research shows girls with negative self-esteem are more likely to be depressed or anxious and practice unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, poor eating habits, dieting and/or eating disorders."

Nutritionist Stacey Antine, R.D., teaches a class for 8th graders called the Natural Beauty Workshop. The purpose is to show girls the benefits of healthy eating. The class also provides the girls an opportunity to discuss ways that the media influences their ideas of beauty and health. Read more at WSOCTV.com.

New Leaf Academy offers junior boarding schools for middle school girls who are having a hard time transitioning to adolescence.

Labels: body_image, hormones, puberty