First year college students may have trouble forming friendships and may appear to be quiet, withdrawn and socially anxious. Other students may have an overinflated view of themselves and have trouble accurately assessing their academic strengths and weaknesses. Body image is a tricky concept that can be even trickier to discuss with your son/daughter.
The link below provides a brief slideshow of language about body image that parents may find helpful. The next time your teenager is home for a visit, parents may want to discuss the idea of body image - knowing that this topic may lead to other important conversations about friendships, interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. If you haven't already asked how your college student views him/herself, I encourage you to do it. You just may be surprised by the answer you hear!
CLICK HERE to view an informative presentation developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill about body image.
