Moms’ Body Image and Its Effects on Their Sons

When the subject of young people and body image comes up, most people envision young girls trying to emulate the women they see on television, in movies, and in magazines.  Lots of young girls do have issues with their bodies, but it’s not a problem that is exclusive to females.  More and more boys are suffering from poor body image.

Some boys want to become slimmer, but a growing number of boys are trying to gain weight and/or muscle.  They feel that it will make them more attractive and that they will do better in sports.  They may exercise excessively, eat lots of fatty foods, or use protein supplements.  Some also use prescription medications and illegal drugs or start smoking to control their weight.

Moms may feel that they do not have the power to prevent their sons from doing these things, but they can exert a positive influence.  Boys whose moms have a positive body image may not be immune to eating and exercise disorders, but they are less likely to become obsessed with their bodies.  So it’s just as important to be a good role model for our sons as it is for our daughters.

Another potential problem of boys whose moms have a negative body image is a warped view of what women should look like.  Moms who are constantly worried about how they look send young boys the message that there is something wrong with women who do not look a certain way.  As a result, they may tease girls who are overweight.

Boys whose moms are confident in their own bodies, on the other hand, are less likely to be overly concerned with the way a girl or woman looks.  They are more apt to be respectful of others and pay more attention to what is on the inside than outside appearances.

By concentrating more on your health than your physical appearance, you can set a good example for your son.  Instead of obsessing over your belly or thighs, try to eat a healthy diet and start a sensible exercise regimen.  This will show your son that being in good health is more important than looking a certain way.

Boys are more concerned with their appearance today than they were just a few years ago.  They are feeling pressure to be bigger and stronger, and just like girls, they may pursue these things in unhealthy ways.  By projecting a healthy body image as a mom, we can encourage the same in our sons.  This will give them a better attitude toward themselves, and it will make them more likely to accept others as they are.