Are you aware that an alarming number of young girls mature into women who are plagued with low self-esteem, depression, weight issues, relationship problems, and substance abuse? They are often self-medicate by using drugs and alcohol to quiet the chastising voices in their minds. To make matters worse, research and statistics show that the problems are growing, rather than diminishing, with every generation of women.
Kenya E. Aisssa and Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos discussed these topics on the Kat Kanavos Show.
Obesity and depression, conditions which have until recently been considered “adult” health problems, are now recognized as common conditions among youths. These two problems are the stepping stones which trigger low self-esteem that can lead to life-long relationship problems due to a lack of self-respect, love and a healthy belief system anchored in spirituality.
Recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimates that:
17% of youths ages 2-19 years old to be overweight (1) compared to just 5% a few decades ago. Depression also impacts a large population of youths. Prevalence of major depressive disorder has been estimated to be 2% of children and 4-8% of adolescents (2). Note that in the following, “children” generally means up to 12 years of age, while “adolescents” are 13 years and above. The word “youths” is used when referring collectively to both groups.
It is important to cultivate self-awareness to follow your dreams.
According to research at Cornell University self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Good girls do finish first. Research has also shown that a high self-awareness score is a crucial predictor of overall success. Acclaimed psychologist Daniel Goleman points out that self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence and that mastery of emotional self-awareness is a key attribute of successful leaders. Emotional Self-Awareness means you understand your own emotions and their impact on your performance. You know what you are feeling and why—and how it helps or hurts what you are trying to do.
Body image and identifying your emotional triggers is important to enhance Body-Positivity.
Taking time for unstructured play with your daughter will teach her how to interact and play with her daughter and granddaughter. Even mother bears play with their cubs. Play in both the animal and the human world is an important component of self-awareness for future success as an adult.
Susan Stiffelman, MFT, an educational therapist and author of Parenting Without Power Struggles says, “Playing catch in the yard, dancing in the living room, and chasing after lightning bugs provide opportunities for intellectual, physical, and personal development. Stiffelman also suggests finding a hobby or two for yourself and, “Allowing your child to see you trying something new may inspire her to do the same.”
In conclusion, looking within may hold the Key to a successful future.
By understanding the needs of young women today, we can help to ensure their success in society as healthy sacred women of tomorrow.
Faced with today’s challenges, it has become more important than ever for young women to look within themselves using angel-guided dreams and prayers for spiritual renewal, strength, and comfort. And, this is where the guidance of adults is so important. We can help young women by providing them with a non-judgmental safe-space for self-reflection and discussion. Studies have shown that they will raise their daughters in the same manner they were raised. The young girls of today are the future mothers of tomorrow. By understanding the needs of young women today, we can help to ensure their success in society as healthy sacred women of tomorrow. Spiritual self-reliance is important for a healthy mind-body-spirit. Leaving our future’s spiritual well-being to chance is a risky gamble on the future.
Kenya – YouTube Featured Below:
Research Links:
Childhood Obesity and Depression: Connection between these Growing Problems in Growing Children
Gloria M. Reeves, MD,*,1,2 Teodor T. Postolache, MD,2 and Soren Snitker, MD, PhD3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2568994/
Nih Public Access Growing Problems In Growing Children Int .., http://www.cde.state.co.us/healthandwellness/depressionandobesity2008nih
How To Raise Well-rounded Kids – Parents, https://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/raise-well-rounded-kids/
New Study Shows Nice Guys Finish First https://www.amanet.org/training/articles/new-study-shows-nice-guys-finish-first.aspx?pcode=XCRP
Parents https://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/raise-well-rounded-kids/
