Effective help for body image DD13

[Homeymum2]

My new teen is very down on herself and struggling with unrealistic image of herself

"I'm fat" - no she's not
"No one else has a belly" - uhm, yes they do...

I know I can't talk her out of this and they even if she were a toothpick she might struggle with the same issues

Has anyone found a program or any books that really helped their daughter love herself?

Thank you -

I don’t have any suggestions on resources as my DD is 13 months old but I was just like this when I was younger, it started at 12. I had a particular dislike of my belly and would check it/pinch and pull at it all day. My DM just ignored it (not a criticism of her, she truly thought if she did that I’d “get over it”) and I still have body image issues at 37. None of the “love yourself how you are, all bodies are beautiful” stuff has ever helped me, because my brain just goes “that’s not true, some bodies are more beautiful than others” 🤦🏼‍♀️😒 I had CBT a few years ago which helped me recognise that my thoughts re my belly were dysmorphic. If there are CBT sessions for teens that might help - but just the fact that you are looking for a way to help her will make a difference, I know my mum really regrets not intervening when I was a teen. She really thought I’d just grow out of it. All the best ❤️

It’s so hard isn’t it. My niece is like this and 13. She’s always asking “do I look fat in this” or “are you sure I’m not fat in this” she’s also not overweight or fat. I think public image is a lot to deal with. It’s hard