While my work covers many issues, one of the most overlooked subjects when dealing with disordered eating is talking about food. It all begins in the home. Many mothers do not realize how much influence they have on the attitudes of their daughters towards food, and eating. I have experienced many mothers who have told me, proudly, that they have never had full fat milk, cheese or yogurt in the house. They NEVER eat bread, or ice cream, and have learned to skip breakfast. What they do not understand is that their daughters are watching and listening. I have seen little girls as young as 7 or 8 talking about keeping ‘off baby fat’ and not wanting to be the little fat girl in the class.
It is ALL about creating positive body image, and making your daughters feel beautiful no matter what their weight , or MBI is. Encouraging positive reinforcement and building high esteem are the keys to teaching girls, and boys, that being beautiful is not about being thin. But being happy. You can never start to young.
