Photo by Curated Lifestyle on Unsplash
Arm Your Child With Positive Body Image
Children are bombarded with images of what society deems as acceptable beauty standards. In fact, more than 60% of children ages 8 to 18 say they feel self-conscious about their bodies. There are many things parents can do to encourage a positive relationship with food, health, and body image with your child.
Bodies change, and that’s a good thing. Remind your child that it’s normal for her body to change and grow as she gets older. Puberty brings on a lot of changes and can start as early as the age of 7. Her figure may fill out as her hips widen and she develops breasts. The best thing you can do is to reassure her that these changes are absolutely normal and that she is beautiful. Making her feel loved and accepted from an early age can help her navigate these natural changes before they begin to occur.
Teasing is harmful. Studies have shown that weight-related teasing a child about her body and her weight happens more at home than at school. This results in low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, depression, and additional weight gain. Teasing your child about her weight should be avoided at all costs. Your child will encounter enough challenges as she grows and faces the world. Her home should always be a safe space where she can feel love and support.
Health is not solely based on weight. A healthy lifestyle is multifaceted and includes the proper amount of sleep, nutritious foods, exercise, and positive relationships. Introducing these elements can foster long-term health and mental and physical well-being that can last well into adulthood.
Food is nourishment. Shift your focus away from weight loss to how food energizes and nourishes the body. Encourage your family to eat a variety of foods according to their appetites. This includes occasional treats. Remember, no food is either good or bad. Try to keep regular mealtimes and snack times. Children and teens who are encouraged to follow their own hunger and fullness are able to adjust their own food intake to their body’s changing needs.
You can’t protect your child from the pressures they’ll face navigating societal ideals around beauty, body shapes, and acceptable weight. By talking positively about body image, weight, and food at an early age, you can arm your child with healthy attitudes toward her own changing body.
If you have questions or need suggestions on how to talk to your child about body image in a positive way, we can help you. At Wallace Family Therapy, we are trained to provide the most effective treatment that meets your individual needs and challenges. Please reach out to us. We’re here to help you.
