Especially interested in their appearance and even more so to spin in the mirror - it's not masculine. So it is considered to be in our society. But in fact, for a man, much less a teenager, the way he looks, the girls like and what they think about him around as a whole - is no less important than for the fair half mankind.
The fact that the girls are going through because of how they look, trying to sound like a fashion model, pace yourself diets, society is willing to accept. Therefore, with the daughters talk about how beautiful they are, parents usually are. But with his sons, as a rule, such a topic of conversation in your head, no one comes. And for good reason. Thus, the number of male patients hospitalized for eating disorders such as, over the past few years in the US increased by 70%. And psychologist approval of Bush's brand of the organization YoungMinds, it is connected with the experiences of boys about their compliance with standards of beauty.
Unattainable ideal.According to sociological studies, which were attended by boys and young men between the ages of 8 to 18 years, 55% respondents want to go on a diet to improve their appearance, and 23% of them believe that the "reference man's body" exist.
To the boys perceived their body positively, parents need to talk to them, in order to dispel stereotype that attractive and "genuinely male" can be extremely inflated muscular body.
Otherwise, in the pursuit of an unattainable ideal youths start sit on the bad diet, addicted excessive exercise, taking steroids and other substances harmful to the growing organism substances. All this undermines their health, and along with self-confidence, because despite all efforts, they still are not perfect.
Therefore, the most important thing - to maintain a positive relationship trusting son. According to co-founder of The Self-Esteem Team Nadia Mendoza: "The main preventive measure - give him to understand that you do not blame him, that you will support it, not fastened with criticism. Healthy attitude to the body should be taught. Psychological well-being of your children is more important than their performance in mathematics or literature. "
Mark Bush, in turn, emphasizes: start talking about appearance and his sons needed before they reached adolescence, explaining that in films, commercials and magazines demonstrates quite far from the ideal of life of male appearance. There are simple ways to help his son to take his body.
Apply a good example.To make sure your child is able to accept and love your body, you need to do the same. If you think with horror of withdrawal on the beach, even carefully hiding it from the child, pass him his pattern of behavior, his shame. Abandoned phrases that you need to lose 20 kg, do not add a child's self-confidence. Therefore, apply a good example in terms of nutrition, moderate exercise and a positive attitude towards your body.
Talk about a man's body. Explain that all people are different and that's okay. That the desire to keep in shape - it's very good, but do not need to strive to look like a model, "licked" photoshop. Asked his son what he thought about it.
Be tactful. Subject looks for boys no less delicate than for girls. So try to respect the feelings of the son. Do not criticize his appearance. And if he is ready to talk about it, do not interrupt it with phrases like, "You and so beautiful, you do not need it." Believe me, it is a necessary and important!
The body or the soul. Talk about what a person is not only a corporeal shell. Often praise his son's sense of humor, the ability to be compassionate, intellectual abilities, interests and talents. Show that it is really important to you.
Food. Explain to your child that it is not the diet is important for the normal functioning of the body, and a healthy balanced diet includes fats, and carbohydrates. Instill child childhood correct eating habits, do not turn the food into a cult or promotion.
Sport. Record your child's sports section. First, it will make him self-confident; and secondly, it gives an understanding of the body - it's not just an aesthetic appearance, but also strength, agility, flexibility, energy.
And be sure to ask about 3 stages of development of the boys, because they do not grow by themselves.
