Big, fuller lips. It’s the new craze among teen girls–just glance at any fashion magazine. Teens today will do anything to have the look of Kylie Jenner’s plump pout.
However, lip fillers are costly, so some teens are experimenting with DIY (do it yourself) methods to get the same look without paying the cost, like sucking on a bottle cap. The results are swollen, painful lips that can take up to month to heal. It’s not worth it.
Our society bombards us with images to look perfect through magazines, television and advertisements and the unrealistic body images that they portray spills over to our teen daughters.
READ MORE: WHAT IS TRUE BEAUTY?
These media outlets are very much aware of the influence that celebrities and models have on teens and use them as their selling point. They don’t tell you the images of these beautiful women have been altered to give them the perfect appearance and that thousands of dollars have been spent for cosmetic procedures.
Here are a few thoughts to help your daughter realize she’s uniquely created and to help her avoid unhealthy choices.
1) One of a Kind
Remind her that she is unique, beautiful, gifted and there is nobody in the world like her.
2) Unreal Fashion
Avoid buying the celebrity and gossip magazines and trash the old ones. The majority of perfect bodies in magazines that she looks at have been air brushed and altered to look flawless. They are not real. If she isn’t looking at the magazines, she’s less likely to strive to imitate these images.
3) Healthy, Not Unrealistic
Help her to understand the difference between an unrealistic body image fed by the media and the image of a normal, healthy body.
4) Positive Focus
Help her to focus on her beautiful qualities and stop comparing herself to others. Take time to compliment your daughter or granddaughter every day.
5) New Style
If your daughter or granddaughter is unhappy with the way she looks, encourage her to try new styles, whether it’s clothes, makeup or hair. Teens who feel good about themselves usually avoid unhealthy choices.
Take a few moments and read Psalm 139:14-16. The Lord tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we’ve all been called to do great things. His works are wonderful! Let’s change the lives of our today’s girls together in today’s world.
