Many young women today are faced with societal pressures, especially when it comes to how they look.
At Boys Town National Research Hospital, experts like Dr. Alyssa Ramos-Chavez, a psychologist at the Behavioral Health Clinic in South Florida, are helping families support their daughters in building confidence through nutrition, self-image, and self-care.
When kids are constantly exposed to unrealistic body standards online—especially through diet-focused content—they may start to feel like they need to look or eat a certain way to be accepted. This can lead to harmful habits like restrictive eating, negative self-talk, or excessive focus on body image. Parents have the opportunity to help their children build a healthy relationship with their body, the food they eat, and remind them that their worth goes far beyond appearance.
Whether it’s encouraging balance and moderation, challenging negative thoughts, or modeling self-confidence, parents can guide their children toward a healthier mindset. Keep an eye out for signs like food anxiety, constant calorie counting, or excessive exercise—these can be important clues that your child might be struggling. With the right support, young people can learn to value who they are—inside and out.
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