How do you help your child build a positive body image?

Question

With our society’s focus on outward beauty many children struggle with body image issues at an ever younger age. I was talking to a mom friend and how her 9-year-old is embarrassed by her physical appearance and my heart breaks for her. There’s only so much a parent can do but if you were parented in a body positive way or have already implemented practices with your kids to help dodge this issue, please share!

Dotster · Answer

The short answer? Have one yourself.

Lady Pele · Answer

I think one of the things we can do is teach our children to become critical/objective viewers of media and social messages.  Talk about bodies on television, in magazines and on the internet. Chat with them about the pictures of models they see in print and online ads. Explain that many of these images are retouched or changed so the bodies appear 'perfect.'

When my niece was having concerns as a young teen, my sister had her make a list of the ten things she liked most about herself and her body.  Anytime she started to feel badly about herself, she would recite those items to herself.

A friend told me that when her 10-year-old started having body issues, she had to step back and evaluate what she said (and felt) about her own body.  She used to complain about not feeling comfortable showing her arms in tank tops and also complained about her belly fat after three kids.  She had to clean up her own comments and body image to help her daughter.

Valerie L. Sizelove · Answer

This is so hard!

lauramsmall · Answer

I think this is so important!  It's tough to navigate, because children (boys and girls) are surrounded with unrealistic images and conversation around body type.  I think modeling a positive image for a child is a great place to begin.  You can also ensure that you are limiting dangerous or stereotypical imagery and information about what people 'should' look like.  I try to tell my son all the time that he is just the way he is supposed to be, and the our familys' goal is to be healthy and fit.

How do you help your child build a positive body image?

You're invited.

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