Weight can be a sensitive subject, especially for children and teenagers. The thin ideal has reached kids as young as six years old, who are concerned about their weight and body image.
How someone approaches this topic on weight and body image is very important, as it can have lifelong implications. Some tips to discuss with kids and what to do if a child brings them up are as follows:
-Encourage open dialogue by talking with your children about weight. Please encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings when they bring them up. Make sure to listen to them fully and explain that you should always love your body, and that people naturally come in all shapes and sizes.
-Don’t make negative comments about your body or your child's body, for this can result in long-term detrimental effects to your child's body image and relationship with food.
-Take action by teaching your kids habits that will help them live healthy for life. Try to get your kids to exercise and eat balanced meals.
-Avoid the blame game by never punishing or threatening your children about their weight, food, or physical activity. This can result in shame and failure and worsen how children feel about their weight and body image.
-Have a united front by making sure both parents and other important relatives are on the same page, for mixed messages about weight can have unhealthy consequences.
-Talk with your healthcare provider to discuss concerns and to ask about suggestions for making positive changes in your family’s eating habits and activity levels.
-Seek advice by looking for a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in pediatrics to help your family or children. Many hospitals and clinics have programs for education and activities for everyone in the family, and some may even be covered by your insurance.
-Focus on health by considering your child’s overall health. Having a household where everyone eats healthy and moves their body can create lifelong habits for your children. Make sure to compliment your children on their lifestyle behaviors to encourage health.
What to do if your child says, “I’m so fat.”
If your child says this, try to learn where their thoughts and feelings about being overweight came from. Did a friend at school tease your child about their weight, or did a relative talk about their weight negatively? These painful issues can come from kids of all sizes, so if another child or adult is bullying your child, confront the situation as quickly as possible.
What to do if your child is “overweight”
Weight loss in young children can interfere with their growth and negative impact on their body image and relationship with food. It is important to work with health care professionals like registered dietitians or your pediatrician to choose specific changes that you can make in your family’s eating and activity levels to set healthier habits.
Be mindful, however, that every family is different and that change occurs slowly, so be patient and remember that healthy eating habits and activity have many benefits, more than just weight maintenance.
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