Motherhood: Real Talk With Your Teenage Daughter (4)

Body Image and Self-Worth In A Social Media World

Let’s be real—social media is packed with picture-perfect bodies, flawless skin, and filtered smiles that make our teenage girls feel like they’re not enough and need to be like what they see to measure up. And whether we like it or not, our daughters are watching.

Every time she scrolls, a quiet message is being sent: “You need to look like this to be beautiful. You need to be like this to matter.”

No one has to say a word. The message is loud and clear;” You’re not enough”.

And maybe she won’t talk about it, but chances are, your daughter has already compared herself to that influencer, that classmate, or that “perfect” stranger online. Even when she knows it’s all filtered and edited, it still makes her wonder: Am I enough?

But here’s the truth: she is enough, and she needs to hear that—from you regularly.

You don’t have to be a psychologist or a motivational speaker. You just have to show up. Your voice matters more than you think. It might not seem like she’s listening, but trust me—she hears you.

What can you do?

1. Start the Conversation

Ask her, “How does all this stuff online make you feel about yourself?” Don’t jump in to fix it right away. Just listen. Let her talk. Be that safe space where she can be honest—even if it’s messy.

2. Watch How You Talk About Yourself

She’s watching you more than you realize. If she hears you calling yourself “fat” or wishing for someone else’s body, she’ll start doing the same. Show her what it looks like to respect your body—even if it’s not “perfect.”

3. Remind Her of Who She Is (Beyond Her Looks)

Don’t just say, “You’re beautiful.” That’s nice, but it’s not enough. Tell her she’s smart, kind, funny, creative, brave. That her body is not a project—it’s a gift. The more you speak life into her, the more those words become her inner voice when she’s doubting herself.

Here’s What She Needs to Know:

I) She doesn’t need to be flawless to be worthy. She doesn’t need to have a “perfect” body to be loved. She doesn’t need a thousand likes to matter.

Ii) She needs to know that she’s already chosen, already seen, already loved—by you, and by God.

“You are chosen. Royal. Set apart. God’s very own.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (paraphrased)

iii) Tell her that God didn’t make a mistake when He made her. That she’s already got what it takes to fulfill her purpose. She doesn’t have to spend her life trying to look like someone else online. Instead, she can use that same internet to grow—learn new things, build her talents, and follow her passions.

iv) Because real confidence doesn’t come from filters or followers. It comes from knowing who you are—and whose you are.

v) And that kind of confidence? It doesn’t just fit in. It stands out. It shines.

So dear Mum, when last did you remind your daughter she’s enough—and how? Kindly share.

Bye!