Body image is how a person feels about their body. No matter what a kid’s size or weight is, children can develop either a positive or negative body image very easily. These concerns can occur as early as in preschool. Therefore, it is important as parents and as adult role models to promote a positive body image.
If kids have a more positive body image, they are more likely to be more comfortable and confident in themselves, increasing their ability to succeed. In contrast, kids with a negative body image often feel more anxious, isolated, and self-conscious, putting them at greater risk for excessive weight gain and eating disorders. To help your child have a positive body image and to help prevent these problems, try the following five steps.
1. Check Your Own Body Image Issues
How parents/role models feel about their bodies has powerful influences on kids. So, take time to think about how you talk and view your body in front of kids. If you talk about having huge thighs or how you must go on a diet, your kids will pick up on these negative messages and start to question these things about themselves.
2. Focus on Health, Not Weight
For your kids’ sake and your own- shift your focus from weight to health. Numbers on a scale do not always account for health. Instead, concentrate on delicious foods and fun physical activities to stay healthy. Most kids do not need to necessarily workout, but they do need to play with their friends and family. This can help them to make smart and tasty snack choices as well, greatly benefiting their health in the future.
3. Find Physical Activities That Fit
Feeling strong, fit, and capable are one aspect of positive body image. And all kids need regular physical activity that they enjoy. Some kids are natural athletes, loving everything, but others are not. It's good to find their niche even if that is walking, karate, or even hip-hop dancing. It doesn’t matter which physical fitness they are doing, just the fact that they are doing something.
4. Watch Out for Bullies
Weight-related teasing is not uncommon. Encourage your kids’ school to address the issue and to support nutrition and physical education that promotes health for kids at all sizes. If your kid is being bullied, act now, and discuss your concerns with someone who can help like a school counselor or trusted administrator.
5. Myth-Busting the “Perfect Body”
Help your kids to understand that there is no such thing as the perfect body. Talk to them about the bodies that they see on the television, in magazines, or on the internet. Talk to them about models or ads and explain that many of these pictures or images are retouched or even changed so that their bodies appear “perfect”. Also give your kid body positive comments and help them to feel good in their natural bodies to help grow a positive body image.
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