Promoting Body Positivity for Children
Conversations about negative body image typically focus on teens and adults, but young children get the messaging secondhand. Between negative self-talk from adults and a constant flow of “ideal” bodies in every form of media, children learn early on what their bodies should look like. They don’t realize that no one fits that mold, not even the entertainers themselves. This can cause self-esteem issues and even eating disorders. Here’s how you can help your child break this vicious cycle:
Leave Diet Culture Behind
The term “diet culture” focuses on more than just diets. It promotes an idea that each person’s value is based on the shape and size of their body. Fad diets that promise quick results are the main feature. These diets don’t work for you, and they definitely won’t work for your growing child. This culture also consists of before and after pictures, cleanses and fasts. In this fatphobic diet culture, we are taught to believe that we can judge others for their weight because they did it to themselves. This is far from the truth. All bodies are different, and that’s not a bad thing.
Foster a Healthy Relationship with Food
Labeling food as “good” or “bad” only makes the forbidden food more tempting, then causes guilt and shame. Children who don’t understand the nuance behind these labels may become anxious when trying to choose the best thing to eat. Focus on the benefits of each type of food, and make healthy foods just as appealing as their counterparts. This way, your child will understand why they’re eating nutritious foods and be less likely to resist.
Encourage Positive Self-Talk
Ask your child what they like about their body. Tell them not to focus on appearance but on the things their bodies can do, like climb trees or copy dance moves. Talk about what you like about yourself and what you like about your child. Remind them that there’s more to them than their physical appearance. This may take some work on your part, especially if you’ve been taught to think otherwise. Remember, you can be a positive influence in your child’s life as well as your own. And when the positive doesn’t feel possible, strive for neutral feelings toward your body.
Make Physical Activity Fun
The connection most people make between exercise and weight loss makes working out feel like a chore. It’s something we have to do, not something we want to do. Help your child find enjoyable activities, whether it be sports like football or softball, workouts like weight lifting or yoga, or just taking walks. If exercise is a fun part of daily life, your child will learn to love being active. If they dread physical activity due to insecurity about being seen, remind them that people come in all shapes and sizes and that they have every right to occupy that space.
Children who become body positive early on have a better chance of becoming happy, healthy adults. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville private school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.