There is a great deal of pressure on teens to have a body image that other people would envy.  For guys, it’s having muscular and athletic good looks.  Six pack abs, upper body strength, healthy skin, good height; all are characteristics that guys would like to possess.  Girls always see themselves as being too fat, too short, or too tall.  They hate their hair if it’s too curly or too straight.   Teens find self-esteem from a good self image.  During the teen years puberty affects girls and guys in so many new ways that they are constantly taking notice of these changes and comparing them with changes in their peers.  All teens want to be accepted and if they can keep a good self image, they will be happier and more well- adjusted.  During teen years, peer pressure and the need to be accepted, put even greater pressure on them to be for girls, very thin, and for guy’s very buff.   If they get support at home that is positive, they will realize that everyone matures at their own pace.  What we look like this year may be greatly changed within the next 12 months.  Teasing and negativity can cause severe problems for both genders.  It’s the job of the parents to teach the teens that whatever their flaws might be, it is who they are and not what they look like, that matters most in life.