How girls think about their bodies is subjective, but their perception is heavily influenced by a variety of external factors—including their own parents. And, as a result, we may be passing down body image issues unintentionally, with a simple turn of phrase. We asked Dr. Helen Egger, child psychiatrist and co-founder of children’s mental health app Little Otter, to explain the one thing she begs mothers to stop saying around their daughters.
The phrase: “I’ve been so good today.” (Specifically, in regards to food.)