Teen granddaughters want cosmetic surgery
Q:My granddaughters are 15 and 17 and want to have cosmetic surgery. Their parents see nothing wrong with it. I think it is horrible! I am very disappointed but they say I'm too old-fashioned. Am I wrong? Should I voice my 2 cents?
Teen girls get the message from the media that the most important thing in life is their "looks." Avoid being critical of their decision. Instead, you could be the person in their life who highlights the positive assets in them, like being loyal to a friend, kindness to their parents, patience for an elderly neighbor, etc. You can model for them that these are the kinds of things that make a person beautiful. --Lynn Lauber, Collinsville, Ill.
My daughter felt inferior because her breasts weren't the size she wanted them to be. I suggested that she wait a couple of years to make the decision. The body is still going through physical changes until age 21. My daughter has decided that plastic surgery isn't a priority anymore. She has other responsibilities that take precedence over something that won't change who she is as a person. --L.K., Madison, Wis.
From Jodie: Unless your relationship with their parents is on thin ice, there's nothing wrong with politely voicing your concerns. See how they react to decide what might be the best move. At this age, trying to sway teens' opinions can backfire, especially when it comes to girls who are hooked on improving their appearance. If their parents have agreed with their agenda, anything you bring up would probably be construed as being negative. Maybe the best action is to be the best role model you can and love them unconditionally.
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