Whether it’s on television, in magazines or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok or any number of the seemingly endless stream of social media applications, most parents are fully aware of just how regularly teenage daughters are exposed to messaging centered around how they’re supposed to look.
When you combine all that media exposure with normal teenage inward and social angst, it can be especially difficult for teen girls to feel confident in their appearance and health. And it can be that much harder for those who are unhealthy. If your teen daughter falls in the latter category, we’re betting you have a decent measure of parental angst about how to approach the issue and how to get her on a healthier track.
Fortunately, there are solutions at hand and we’re here to provide a helping hand. Read on.
Step One in 3 PartsTalk. Listen. Stress Positivity.
So you’ve noticed your teen daughter is somewhat unhealthy and could stand to benefit from a better exercise regimen and improved diet. How exactly do you address that?
There’s probably no one-size-fits-all approach, but we suggest putting a good deal of thought into how your kid is wired and the types of messaging they’ll best respond to. After formulating your own initial message, make sure you give her an ample opportunity to express how she feels about her health. Even if you think you know what reaction you’ll get to a potentially difficult conversation, some active listening might impart some new knowledge to help better communicate in the future. Lastly, make it clear that you’re bringing this up because you want better for her, and express positive forward-thinking that with some work (but also fun) and commitment, the benefits of a healthier lifestyle will be many for many years to come.
Think Incrementally
Remind her that Rome wasn’t built in a day. After she’s done rolling her eyes at a classic, tired clich saying, remind her that No, really, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
The point we’re making is that it’s key to set realistic, achievable goals, especially when she’s just starting to make lifestyle changes. Even adults struggle with new challenges, or decide to evade them altogether, if they try to chew off too much at once.
When it comes to exercise, then, if she’s not used to doing it regularly, be happy with simple strides like a thorough neighborhood walk, a short bike ride, a backyard swim or any number of low-exertion activities that still get her moving. Slowly but surely, as exercise becomes routine, she very well may become more naturally interested and confident in trying more rigorous workouts.
It Takes Teamwork to Make the Dream Work
*Insert eye roll emoji here…yes, pretty much like the photo above. Perfect.* Our grander point, aside from trying to be funny, is to remind her that she isn’t in this alone. Model healthy exercise and eating habits for her, and try to get everyone in the house on the same page as well.
A fun way to do this without having to pull proverbial teeth is to bring some competition into the fold. Gather up the family and head out in the backyard for some CROSSNET volleyball to get everyone’s blood pumping. We’ll venture to say that after an exhilarating match or two, she’ll have developed a new favorite hobby. And in the grander scheme, she’ll know that her folks are putting in work like she is.
Let’s Get Social/Sporty
Building off our last point, encouraging participation in sports is a quality way to push better health. A 2018 study by the Women’s Sports Foundation found that all teensand particularly multisport teen girlswho participate in sports are on the whole healthier, have stronger relationships and excel more in the classroom than those who don’t play sports. The benefits from team sports seem particularly real, as girls can learn how to master new tasks, challenge themselves and fit into a team dynamic, whether they’re more of a star performer or a moral supporter.
Even if they’re not playing organized sports, there’s nothing stopping them from playing recreationally and forming some of the same bonds. Let her have a few friends over, prop up the four square volleyball net and watch the fun ensue as they bump, set and spike their way to a high-level afternoon of recreation.
#GoalSZN
If you have no idea what that means, you need to step up your teen parenting game, but we’ll break it down for you anyway. Hashtag. Goal. Season (the Z makes it cooler…we think).
After you feel she’s begun to make some strides, acknowledge those gains and ensure she’s taking stock and getting much-deserved happiness out of her progress. Then, encourage her to keep going and set her sights higher, whether it’s running or biking further distances, trying out for a team, starting a new form of exercise or taking a class. While it’s great if she’s found one or two activities that are her favorites, incorporating some variety into the workout routine might very well be a good way to keep an exercise routine.
Keep Fun at the Forefront
Who wants to have some fun?! (*Kramer voiceA Seinfeld reference they probably won’t get and that might result in more eye rolls.) Really, though, who doesn’t want to have some fun? Throughout the process of getting healthier, stress fun and the importance of taking joy in simple things, whether it’s a really good run or just the satisfaction of doing 15 minutes of activity when the thought of staying on the couch was a lot more appealing. Fun is good.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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