Q. Do you care about what others think about the way you look Frances?

A. No, not at all. If an individual has a slim physique, they may be regarded as underweight. If they are slightly overweight, they might be considered fat. If someone does not have a favourable opinion of you, they may resort to mockery or ridicule. You can’t win.

When my children were young, I liked the public figures or models who maintained a healthy appearance rather than extreme thinness. My youngest daughter believed she needed to resemble a stick insect to gain acceptance. It is important that children enjoy nutritious meals during their growth periods rather than resort to unhealthy dieting due to media influence. My aim was for them to maintain a healthy and balanced weight. It can be quite concerning for a parent when they notice their child or children not eating properly because they feel pressured to conform to a particular appearance. I was a concerned full-time mother.

Generally, an individual’s appearance is not of primary concern. What is more significant is the influence that media exerts on our children. This may be the reason I have a particular fondness for the 1970s, when there were only four television channels, which were more selective regarding the content they broadcast. During that period, programmes were often of better quality.

Times have changed considerably. 🙂