Actions Speak Louder than Words
Posted on October 9, 2008
Here are some interesting excerpts from an article written by a woman who struggled with eating disorders and body image issues throughout her adolescence. It’s titled What I Wish You Would Have Said from Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty:
“I wish people would have commented more about my heart, my kindness, and my ability to make friends rather than what I was eating or not eating.”
“You can say everything you think is the right and good thing to say but if you as a parent are not walking your own talk and demonstrating through your own actions, your words will not have as much power. Actions do speak louder than words when it comes to your daughter’s self-esteem.”
I don’t have any kids yet. My wife and I have one on the way (we find out next week if boy or girl) and we hope to set a good example of being healthy and active. I think too many parents in the world set bad examples to their daughters and sons by obsessing with weight and body image.
It’s not wrong at all to care about your health –we all should care and do something about it. But it is another thing to obsess about looking like the models and celebrities we see on TV and in magazines.
Like the woman said above, I think actions do speak louder than words. As she mentions in the article, she came from a family obsessed with “dieting” and not being “fat.” If we want our kids to learn to live healthy lifestyles, we must live healthy lifestyles.
Look, I don’t know everything about eating disorders and body image issues. I don’t know the psychology behind them, but I do know they are real. I know that a lot of women struggle with them.
I applaud Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty in trying to help women realize that they don’t need to look like cover models. They can be healthy and still be who they are.
Don't forget to shop for gear at LittleTriathlete
» Filed Under Behavior Change, Eating Disorders, Mental Health
Comments
View Comments to “Actions Speak Louder than Words”
Leave a Reply
Actions speak louder than words. http://tinyurl.com/3pgreg
Teach by example. http://tinyurl.com/3pgreg
I agree….who decides what beauty is? The media? I don’t think so! Have a nice weekend!
Most people do the best they can with children. That’s all you can do. Everyone makes mistakes, but every child is going to respond differently.
I agree that we should try to learn from others’ mistakes, but not stress out about it.
Love, kindness and time spent with children go a long way.