Back to school is the perfect time to celebrate your incredible body and all the amazing things it can do! Girls as young as 5 years old report hearing the women in their lives talk negatively about the way they look, something that becomes more prominent as they get older. Let's talk about it!
Yes, there are plenty of solidly great trends going on with girls today—their high school graduation rates are up, they’re volunteering more, and are less likely to smoke or drink alcohol than girls even just a few years ago. Still, the Girl Scout Research Institute has found plenty of troubling trends that you might not be aware of.
“I’m fat.” Those are just two little words, five letters in total, but coming from your daughter, they’re enough to make your heart totally sink. How could a girl who’s typically so kind and accepting of others be so disparaging of herself?
According to studies, a whopping 80 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. Why? Because they’re constantly surrounded by both subtle and direct messages that curvier or heavier girls aren’t as well liked, aren’t as likely to succeed in business, and in general, aren’t going to have as much fun or happiness in their lives. Think about it: many of the animated heroines they idolize have unrealistically thin bodies, gossip magazines and websites are quick to call scandal on even an ounce of celebrity cellulite, and so called, “fat jokes”—despite their inherent offensiveness—remain completely acceptable in many circles as well as in movies and TV shows. It’s a pretty sad state of affairs.
But what about “lovingly” teasing your girl about her body?
Some people have a hard time with this one, insisting it’s absolutely acceptable—especially within the family—to tease about the shape of a girl’s tush, the size of her chest, her height, or her figure in general. We’re not saying anyone has meant any harm or has had bad intentions while kidding around like this, but these actions can cause harm and lead to lifelong issues related to self-esteem, confidence, body image, and emotional development. Basically, these jokes are the opposite of harmless.
The Body Appreciation badge line for Girl Scouts encourages girls to see themselves in a new light, appreciating their unique strengths—from breathing and thinking to dancing and exploring new activities. As girls grow, they often hear negative comments about their appearance, but this program helps them build confidence and recognize their worth beyond looks. Through fun and age-appropriate activities, girls learn to embrace their authentic selves and understand that everyone is special in their own way.
Girl Scouts are empowered to set healthy boundaries and stand up against societal pressures, fostering a community of respect and support. By practicing body appreciation and sharing positive messages, girls can start lifelong habits that boost their emotional well-being and help them feel proud of who they are. Remember, every girl’s body is a wonderful part of her story—so let’s kick off the new school year with confidence, kindness, and a whole lot of self-love!
Come find out about Girl Scouts at one of the Discover Girl Scout events! Girls receive a free patch, a free activity packet and a BIG welcome!
Details and sign-up form here https://www.gsccc.org/en/discover/discover-girl-scouts.html
