Body image blues
Research from Dove reveals 65% of nine to sixteen-year-old girls hide their feelings about their appearance from their mums – concealing concerns about their negative body image.
And 57% admitted they found it difficult speaking to their parents about their body, despite the fact that their mothers are one of the biggest influences in their life.
Mum's the word
But it's not easy for mums either. Our studies revealed more than one in ten mothers found it easier to talk to their daughters about drugs, boyfriends and birth control than to tackle the tricky issue of their changing body shape.
Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty has long strived to help women of all ages learn to love their look. And as part of the crusade, a new booklet has been launched to help mums inspire greater self-esteem in their teenage girls.
Expert advice
'Talk to Her', by psychotherapist to the stars Dr Susie Orbach, offers advice for parents on raising the issue of body image with their daughters, and helping to banish the blues through support, guidance and reassurance.
With tips on everything from dealing with diets to helping her realise how often cover-girl perfection comes courtesy of a computer, it's an indispensable guide to helping your daughter through the trials and tribulations of teenage life.
