Parenting expert shares how girls’ body image starts—and it’s eye-opening

February 1, 2026 - 00:27

A leading parenting expert has provided a powerful insight into how young girls' perceptions of their bodies are formed, highlighting the profound influence of everyday family conversations. According to Violeta Gordeljevic, the foundation of body image is often laid not through media or peers first, but within the home environment through seemingly offhand remarks.

Gordeljevic emphasizes that casual comments from parents or caregivers about dieting, weight, or physical appearance can significantly shape a child's developing sense of self-worth. Children are highly observant, absorbing attitudes toward food and body image long before societal pressures fully take hold. A parent's expressed dissatisfaction with their own body or a labeled "good" or "bad" food can inadvertently teach a child to scrutinize themselves and others through a critical lens.

This early internalization of body-focused dialogue can set a lasting trajectory for self-esteem. The expert's analysis serves as a crucial reminder for adults to model positive body language and foster a home environment where health, not appearance, is the focus of wellness conversations. Cultivating this mindful approach from the earliest years is presented as a key step in building resilience against future societal pressures.