Body Image and Preteens

As an auntie to two young girls, I am aware of the body image issues they may deal with in the coming years. My eldest niece entered middle school this year and suddenly, fashion and appearance are more important to her than ever before.

I hope that my nieces remember who they are, and don't get caught up in worrying about what they look like, or what others think of them. Of course, I know, in today's world that's a big challenge.

I came across some great blogs that I think send the message I think all young girls need to hear:

Already Pretty - Where style meets Body Image - This blog talks about fashion as well as beauty and body image. Some will enjoy the daily outfit posts and fashion advice from Blogger, freelance journalist, communications professional, style and body-image writer, Sally McGraw. I particularly enjoy posts like this one on body image and this one on flaws. Another post that was a big hit with me is this one about being kind to yourself.

You'd Be So Pretty If... This blog is directed more toward moms (and aunties!) The way we view and talk about our own bodies impacts the way the young girls in our lives view their own bodies. The blog is based on the book You'd be So Pretty If...Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies -- Even When We Don't Love Our Own (Da Capo Lifelong Books, May 2009), former Shape magazine columnist Dara Chadwick's guide to breaking the mother-daughter cycle of bad body image.

Here are some additional resources related to tweens:
What Your Tween Sees in the Mirror - This article on Scholastic.com identifies the signs of body image issues in tweens and how you can help.
Tweens and Body Image: The Real Deal - This Huffington Post article is a brief survival guide for adults dealing with tweens and body image.
TweenParent.com -Your Parenting Source for the Preteen Years -  This website is a great source for all things related to preteens including helpful articles and even a dictionary to help you decipher tween lingo.


Confidence is a lifelong tool that is just as important in their youth as it will be in adulthood. I hope to help promote positive body image and instill the message in my nieces that they are beautiful, smart girls.

Girls Rule!

There’s no denying girls are growing up faster these days, and they’re being inundated by the media and their peers with negative messages about the way they should look and the way they should act. How can we combat those messages and remind the girls we love to stay true to themselves?

I’ve been searching for ways to reinforce that message for my young nieces, through books and movies with positive female protagonists and inspirational quotes.

I came across a book called “Girls Rule” by Ashley Rice.

The one you see here is the updated edition and it’s a slim book full of positive writings, poems and fun drawings just for girls. There are several other books in the series, narrated by Penelope J. Miller, with themes of following your dream and believing in yourself. Other titles include: "You Go Girl... Keep Dreaming" and "You Are an Amazing Girl: A Very Special Book About Being You and Making Your Dreams Come True."

I gave this book to my niece “Hannah” for her eleventh birthday and she LOVES it. I bought myself a copy so we can talk about it and share our favorite parts. I hope that perhaps it will be a springboard for some fun and insightful conversations.

“Girls Rule” covers uniqueness, courage, friendship and handling change. This is just the thing I was looking for. I will be checking out other books by Ashley Rice as future gift possibilities! You can check out her website here: http://www.ashleyrice.com/