When you got dressed today, did the thought 'Does this make me look fat?' cross your mind? If it did, you're certainly not alone. In today's world of super-skinny, size 0 models and celebrities, it's no wonder that girls as young as 5 are conscious of body image. How can women reverse the damage of TV, magazines or even just a body-conscious mom whose own thoughts may be rubbing off on her child to help their daughters feel good about their bodies? Psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke, author of Change Your Mind, Change Your Body, sits down with several 5-year-old girls to find out what they really think about body image.

Dr. Kearney-Cooke says their answers should come as no surprise. "They're inundated with images of thin models, anorexic-like models," she says. "They have already internalized the very cruel stereotype about people who are overweight. We have to do something about it."

Dr. Kearney-Cooke believes that promoting a positive self-image and healthy eating habits to young girls can make an important impact that can help keep them healthy throughout their lives. The important thing is not to be too rigid. "I think what we want to teach kids is that there is a lot of different, great-tasting foods out there," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "You want them to enjoy them but to also pay attention to when they're hungry, when they're full, and to see their body as a source of information. What we know about eating disorders is that if you pay attention to your body, you're less likely to develop anorexia, bulimia or obesity."

Unfortunately, children can get caught up in a vicious cycle of self-doubt from early on, particularly as a result of teasing from their peers. "If you're overweight as a kid, people are being cruel to you and it affects your body image and your self-image for life," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "If you're not, you're often afraid to get fat because you see how people treat people."

She recommends, "Set up a no-teasing rule in your household and stick to it." On the flip side, she suggests, "If your daughter or son comes home and talks about how they're being teased at school, you need to take action. You need to call the principal because this is not acceptable."

The biggest thing moms can do to positively influence their daughters is to work on their own feelings about their looks. Children hear and see everything, and the most influential person in their lives is you. "Most women don't feel comfortable about their body and yet they want their daughters to feel good about theirs. It's important that you also work on your body image."

Special thanks to Love A Lot Preschool.