Don't let a coach's stray remark ruin your little girl's dreams.
When we heard about a cheerleading coach telling a 6-year-old that she needed to "slim down if she wants to be a winner," we were ticked. With the pressure on for little ballerinas, figure skaters, gymnasts and cheerleaders to be teensy, we asked friend of Mom•Logic and Counseling Mom, Rosanne Tobey, for tips if your little girl has dreams of starring in a thin-worshiping sport.
- Evaluate yourself: If you're constantly complaining about cellulite and kimono arms, your children hear you. Counseling Mom says, "If you're consumed with wanting someone else's body, it's hard to teach your daughter self-acceptance."
- Emphasize different, not better: "We do the best we can with what we have been given," Counseling Mom says. Show your daughter that she and her friends have different strengths and weaknesses.
- Do damage control: If your kid has run into an evil coach or instructor, you have to work even harder to instill positive body image. Provide appropriate examples of successful women who are not rail thin. Stress health and strength over aesthetics. Says Counseling Mom, "Looking pretty and being unhealthy is not a good thing."
Has an instructor ever humiliated your kid? Tell us below.
filed under: family
Email3 comments so far | Post a comment now >>
I would never allow anyone to belittle my child for any reason.
- Tricia
Parents want their child to be winners. The coach makes a statement in the context of doing what it takes to win. But then the reality of this being a child is present. So is just a matter of a no tact coach or a Paris Hilton head filled world? The “evaluate yourself” comment was spot on.
- J
My daughter, who is 8, was told by her PEDIATRICIAN she needs to LOSE WEIGHT. I was stunned, disgusted and sorry my daughter had to hear this. Needless to say, I haven’t been back.
- Amy Bowllan
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