We tell them to be happy with how they are inside. Then they buy magazines that picture models that don’t even look human. We tell them to be good people, but all the television shows and ads promote make-up, hair products and clothes, “to make them happier.”
No wonder they are confused.
We need a happy medium. We need a way to promote health, spirituality and ways to get outside themselves, and still let them have fun with make-up and clothes.
Perhaps each of us could work with the teen-age girls in our own lives. One teen-age girl at a time.
Encourage helping others so that they don’t obsess about themselves all the time. Encourage helping people of all ages. Help them to mentor younger girls so that they can pass on the messages they know would be wonderful to hear.
Encourage exercise as a fun activity and a time to be with friends. Encourage them to get involved with the food choices in the home and the preparation, so they learn to make healthier choices and dishes.
Encourage reading beyond fashion and exercise magazines. Look for alternative magazines that concentrate on health and strong bodies, and articles that encourage them to learn about politics and the world around them.
Encourage them to write their feelings in journals and get any insecurities out on paper rather than taking it out on themselves in destructive ways.
Talk about the importance of choosing boys and young men who do not belittle them or verbally abuse them. Teach them to demand respect from their dates and the people in their lives.
Teen-age girls are future mothers and leaders. Let’s support them and help them on their way to be healthy and happy women!
Diana Fletcher 