To better understand
Teenagers go through many physical changes during adolescence. During puberty, they experience a growth spurt, which is accompanied by changes in their height, body shape, hair growth, skin and face. All these physical changes can trigger a range of emotions in teens. For example, some might feel proud and excited about their new body, while others may be embarrassed or even develop complexes. Even though all teenagers go through puberty, not all experience it in the same way.
It’s important to talk to teens about body diversity, as this will help them to be more accepting of themselves and open to differences in others. The world is filled with many different body types. Bodies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with different skin types, markings (scars, birthmarks, etc.), hair growth, and more. Each body is unique! And yet, teens are bombarded on a daily basis with messages and images portraying ideal beauty standards. As a parent, it’s important to celebrate differences and help your teen to develop their critical thinking skills when it comes to these standards, which can sometimes be unrealistic.
To better support
Tips and tricks
Use the images portrayed in social and traditional media as a springboard to talk about body diversity with your teen. You can also use certain family activities, like movie night, as an opportunity to expose your teen to different body types.
In short
Puberty comes with its fair share of physical changes and can be a challenging time for some teens. It’s important to talk to teens about body diversity, as this will help them to be more accepting of themselves and open to differences in others. Body diversity is a good thing! As a parent, you can help teens to embrace it.
Resources and practical tools
1. For support :
You are dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information :
- Organisme Equilibre (French only)
- We also encourage you to read our information sheet on body image.
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