It's hard to be a teenager. In my opinion, it's never been more challenging than it is now.

My daughter recently told me that her friends have begun abstaining from food, dieting, and even purging to be thinner and more “socially acceptable” over the past year or so.

I have been discussing this topic with her lately, as social media, cultural pressures, and skimpy fashion trends make it increasingly difficult for teens to navigate one of the most challenging times of their lives.

As a generation of women who go before these young ladies, we must commit to investing in the sound-mindedness of truth in a world vying ruthlessly for their attention and allegiance. I’m sharing my advice today for supporting the young girls in your life. No matter who you are, whether you are a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend, we have a unique opportunity to encourage and show girls that we care.

Explain the effects of puberty.

Help your teenager understand that puberty can cause weight gain, a natural, healthy part of growing up.

Lead by Example.

Our girls learn more from what they observe and experience than they do from what we say. They begin to recognize what is right and good in their earliest moments. It begins with you giving your young girl a well-grounded, God-given understanding of her beauty and body! Emulate what you desire for her.

Talk about social media pressure.

Media messages are so strong. Social media, films, television shows, and magazines often convey the idea that one body type is beautiful and that maintaining an acceptable appearance is paramount. Even media that promotes health, fitness, and exercise might depict a thin, toned body ideal. In addition, social media and magazine images are commonly altered, which leads to teenagers trying to meet unrealistic standards. Encourage your child to question what they see and hear as they read, scroll through, or watch.

Speak God’s Word Over Her

Our words, like pennies, may seem insignificant at first, but together they add up and produce a treasure over time. Be persistent in encouraging your daughter toward good. Deposit a word at a time. Remind her of who she is in Christ when she gets out of the car at school or when you spend time together. Reaping a harvest does not require planting a million seeds. Just plant a single seed at a time.

Monitor social media.

What others think means the world to teens. Teens share pictures and receive feedback. That feedback can become the core of what they perceive as their worth. According to research, teens' frequent use of social media may be associated with poor mental health and well-being. Monitor and discuss what your teen posts and views on social media and establish rules for their use.

Listen More Than You Talk

The most significant factor in teaching teens to value their bodies is not as much in what we say but what they say. Listening carefully is essential. Several weeks ago, my daughter sat down in the kitchen while I was preparing dinner (these moments are precious!). After telling me all her friends were wearing crop tops, short shorts, low-rise jeans, and long nails for the year, she looked bothered. I responded, "Hmmm, what do you think about that?" Let me tell you; her spoken words had a 1000% greater impact on her than mine. She commented that she did not think it was an appropriate way to dress for school, and she now understands why I have always talked about how much skin we reveal. Inquiring takes both persistent tying of tongues and practice. The reward, however, is worthwhile. Simply ask and listen to the young girls in your life when they face tough decisions. When peer pressure and comparison are threatening, ask them if it feels authentic when they choose it.

Promote physical activity and healthy eating.

You can help promote positive body image and self-esteem by encouraging teens to participate in sports and other physical activities, encouraging strength and stamina rather than just size. Encourage your teen to engage in physical activities they enjoy and feel successful in. Give them a wide variety of foods as well. Explain to your teen the dangers of fad diets, and do not label foods as "good" or "bad." Encourage them to simply eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Look For Opportunities to Influence

When we model spiritual priorities above physical preoccupations, we have authentic influence as moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or friends. The Bible admonishes us to be reverent in our behavior, not malicious gossip nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that we may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, and to be submissive to their husbands so that the word of God will not be dishonored. I am blown away by our calling! A place of inspiration and impact. The young women of the world need your wisdom now more than ever. May we all remember who we are and what we can accomplish together!