Foundations of Supporting Teen Body Image

Teen body image is shaped by many factors and has significant impact on mental and physical health. Sound parenting rests on understanding the factors, recognizing warning signs, and supporting healthy relationships with food and body. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the factors that shape teen body image, recognize warning signs of unhealthy patterns, identify the principles of supportive family culture, and understand when professional support is warranted. What you will learn: - The factors that shape body image including media, peer culture, and family messages - The role of puberty and the wide variation in development - The signs of unhealthy body image including disordered eating patterns - The principles of healthy family food culture - The role of model messaging from parents about their own bodies - The role of school, sports, and other contexts - The signs that suggest professional consultation including pediatric and mental health support The course uses readings, case examples, and reflection prompts that respect the sensitivity of the material. Each module ends with applied exercises. This course is written for parents of teens. By the end you will have replaced fragmented messages about body and food with a structured understanding of the principles that support healthy relationships.