But on the other hand if the father is free enough in himself to really see them in terms of their potential beauty it’s as if he then breaks an inner curse and permits them to know and receive more about themselves and incorporate it into a positive awareness of their self concept.

Some people now believe that this is where the need that fuels female fairy tales about sleeping beauties and Cinderella and the like comes from.

Gestalt therapists agree that lack of self acceptance still drives many women in a vain search for a Prince Charming to help them feel good about themselves.

While every small girl deserves to have a trusting relationship with a father who can appreciate her special beauty and unique gifts, each one of us has to finally accept that no earthly parent or imagined lover can provide us with the kind of freedom and inner acceptance that only a heavenly father can give.

It’s got to be worth keeping in mind.

Recent Australian research indicates:
• Over 70% of teenage girls want to be thinner, even those of low weight.
• About 60% of Australian women are on some sort of diet.
• 13% of girls think that smoking is a good way of dieting.
• Girls are far less happy with their bodies than boys, although weight distribution is the same for both sexes.

Did you know:
• In the last forty years, fashion models have become far thinner than the average Australian woman, who has actually become heavier.
• Most women need to carry about 20 per cent body fat for fertility, osteoporosis prevention, healthy looks and general well-being.

(Source: Luscious Obsession: Body Image and Eating Behaviour among Students in Sydney North West, Jo & Amelia Milne-Home)