Body image

While we were on our way to the Entebbe Wildlife Park, Amanda said something in the car that was mighty troubling. "Daddy, there are three things wrong with me: my body shape, my face and my hair."
Her dad was a little stunned by this, but he tried to do some damage control by reminding her of what they had talked about before (presumably this issue has arisen in the past). He told her she was beautiful and that she should not worry herself with things like this.
I was caught off guard because Amanda is seven years old. Seven! I have a strong suspicion that the fact that her parents are very wealthy and allow her to watch American TV shows like Hannah Montana may have had an effect. Despite this, I was surprised that the body image issue is already deeply ingrained in her mind. It's sad.As Rachel put it, I think she needs a role model who looks more like her. Miley Cyrus is no role model.
I recently bought her a copy of Matilda by Roald Dahl, so maybe that will get her a little more interested in fiction and less interested in the Disney channel. But probably not.