Body Image & Mom Influence | Missy Heilman & Dr. Beth Salafia

Mothers can positively influence body image.

Dr. Beth Salafia, a Professor at North Dakota State University in the Human Development and Family Science Department, joins BIO Girls founder Missy Heilman for a conversation around body image and a mother’s influence on their daughter’s body image.

Dr. Salafia shares three questions moms can ask themselves to determine if they positively or negatively influence their daughter's body image.

1. Do I comment on my daughter’s body in any way?

2. Do I comment on my own body?

3. Does my daughter know she is loved without condition?

Check it out:

8 tips

How parents can help support positive body image.

1. Use every opportunity to interact with your daughter and have conversations around positive body image.

2. Don’t participate in negative body talk about yourself in front of your daughter.

3. Teach your daughter how to counteract negative body talk when they are with their peers.

4. Establish a positive, loving relationship with your daughter.

5. Avoid any commentary positive or negative on the size or shape of your daughter’s body or focusing on any specific features.

6. Focus on what your body can do instead of what it looks like.

7. Make sure your daughter knows she is loved without condition.

8. Discuss with your children that most of the images they see in the media and on social media are not real and are photoshopped.