“The older generation, they made/reinforce the beauty standards, then pass it on to their kids.”1

The last thing most parents want to do is contribute to the intergenerational transmission of body image concerns. We want our kids to be confident and comfortable in their own skins. But we aren’t always sure how to accomplish this.

A recently published study titled, “Be more positive and more kind to your own bodies,” asked 14- to 24-year-olds how they would like their parents to support their body image. This survey of 652 young people confirms what body image scientists have been suggesting to parents for years: “Promote body acceptance.” “Provide unconditional love and support.” "Be a good role model.” These were among kids’ top recommendations for their parents.

It doesn’t sound like rocket science, but, in practice, it’s not always easy.

As psychologist Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, reminds us, “Caring about how we look is a normal part of being human, but putting too much stock in our own attractiveness outsources our self-worth to others’ opinions.” In her recent book, Sexism and Sensibility: Raising........

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