Episode Details

Ask Rachel anything

Puberty can make teenagers painfully aware of their changing bodies. Add Instagram, TikTok, advertising and the pressure to fit in, and it's little wonder that so many teens struggle with body image and self-esteem.

So what can parents do to help?

In this episode, Rachel talks with mindfulness coach and mum of three Susie Asli about teenage body image, social media, comparison and the powerful need to belong.

We explore why commenting on appearance — even when we think we're giving a compliment — can sometimes reinforce the very pressures we're trying to protect our teenagers from, and why focusing instead on what their bodies can do, who they are and the relationships that make them feel valued can help build a healthier sense of self.

We also discuss the warning signs that body-image worries may be becoming more serious, including obsessing over weight or particular body parts, avoiding activities because of appearance, constantly comparing themselves with others, and linking food with guilt or shame.

Plus: how can we model a healthier relationship with our own bodies, help teenagers see through unrealistic social-media images, and give them the confidence to experiment with their identity without feeling they have to look a particular way to belong?

And in our listener question, we tackle another familiar parenting battle: How do you get teenagers to do chores without endless arguments about whose turn it is?

We discuss why teenagers need household responsibilities, how chores teach valuable life skills, and why allocating jobs in advance can work far better than ambushing a teenager halfway through TikTok.

Rachel's thoughts and tips on body image

Rachel's thoughts and tips on getting kids to do chores

Resources:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/healthy-lifestyle/body-image/body-image-teens
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor 
I Thought it was just me by Brené Brown

Previous episode:

https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/104-teen-weight-and-body-image-a-mother-and-daughter-explore-the-issues/

Chores: 

Household duties develop a sense of purpose. Lack of purpose is one of the most reported problems in suicidal people. Teens are capable of doing practically any household duty and gives them a sense of belonging to the family team.

The Gift of Failure Jessica Lahey: Children prefer parents who hold them responsible for not meeting expectations over those who monitor their children. 

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