The Healthy is the New Skinny team is now blogging for Modern Mom magazine. I wrote the first post: What’s Scarier Than The Sex Talk? Talking About Food & Weight! It opens:
Would you rather talk to your teen daughter about her sex life or her weight? If you chose the former, you’re not alone: a new study released this month by WebMD showed that nearly 22% of parents are uncomfortable discussing the dangers of being overweight with their kids, compared to only 12% of parents who feel uncomfortable discussing sex with their teenager.
This study jives with my experience. As a college professor who teaches courses and leads workshops focused on issues of both sexuality and body image – and for many years, as a high school church youth leader – it’s astounding to see how differently young people react to these two topics. While talking about sex can certainly be awkward, even in an academic setting, the discomfort often turns quickly to laughter and warm, safe humor. Teens are generally hungry for accurate information about sex and eager for a non-judgmental environment in which to ask questions and share stories.
But that’s not the case with the issues surrounding weight and body image. When that topic is on the agenda, there’s far less giggling, far less fun.
Click for more. We’re excited about the new collaboration with Modern Mom!
I liked this piece, Hugo, but WebMD’s claim that only 12% of parents are uncomfortable discussing sex with their teenagers sounds pretty bogus, imho.
I think this study is interesting because it highlights two important issues in relation to teens. Teen pregnancy rates are sky rocketing at alarming rates and obesity is an epidemic taking over America. I’m in agreement that it would be easier to discuss sex as opposed to obesity because sex is natural, something that we all someday plan to do in our lives. It’s a sign of growth and maturity. Obesity on the other hand, is not natural, which may bring about some hesitation in bringing up with someone. Weight issues is a touchy subject amongst teens mostly because it enormously influences social life whether it is positively or negatively, especially because teenage girls are exceptionally emotional and vulnerable at such a young age.