Parents and the entire family for that matter, have the power, a plethora of chances and the capability to positively influence the body-image of their maturing kids.

Guys - you don't have to physically participate in the event, although it is a great idea, just be mindful of fathers', step-fathers', brothers', uncles', and grandfathers' influence before, during and after this delicate passage in life.

Her first bra experience: shopping for a bra, trying it on and actually wearing her first bra daily is definitely one of those memorable moments in a young girl's life. These memories that were created by conscious and loving fathers, step-fathers, and all other males who live and communicate with your girl on a regular basis, are precious treasures.

We live in a culture that puts major emphasis on breast size. This emphasis on large breasts has the potential of creating a negative self-image, poor body-image, self-doubt, and shame in the mind of the impressionable developing child.

The following are tips: how fathers, step-fathers and other male family members regarding their influence on their girl's first bra experience:

1. Acknowledge the 'arrival' of first bra as a right of passage. This is more of a general validation and acceptance and non-judgmental attitude, not a speech of launching the occasion.

2. The emphasis of the importance of health of the young body, not the appearance of breast size and shape is where body-image meets parental influence.

3. Be aware of your own body language, speech-tone and where your eyes focus. The non-verbal behaviors that kids perceive and observe in their parents, will be integrated into the blue-print of their body-image as a judgment.

4. Develop a positive attitude which focuses on her health, strength and abilities rather than her physical appearance.

5. Your attitude and conduct will go down in history: As our culture makes impossible demands on females' appearance and body-image, women often recall moments of their first bra experiences and share 'war-stories' with each other. You should desire to be a war-hero of sorts in her personal memoirs.

6. Develop empathy. As you don't have any personal knowledge to compare to the experience of developing breasts. Imagine what it would feel like to experience a physical change in the eyes of the world.

7. Starting at home; all male family members of pre-teen girls have a great opportunity to help stop breast-obsession and its life-long consequences.

Your chance to positively influence your growing daughter is your great privilege.

Do it right.

In part 2 of this article we'll discuss what fathers and step fathers should not do at the time of daughter development.

There are more solutions and observations for body-image issues. These ideas are presented in the program: The Body Trap. This educational/entertaining program may be delivered as a keynote speech or a seminar. For keynotes, seminars and relationship-coaching contact Dr. Nili Sachs directly: hello@drnilisachs.com

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