Perhaps you struggled with your body image when you were young. For many people, negative body image at a young age develops because of parental influence. You may have heard your parents criticize their own bodies frequently. They might have projected their fears about weight gain onto you and established certain food restrictions for your household.
Today, the conversation around body image is changing dramatically, and parents are more interested in setting a good example of positive body image for their children. But how can you achieve this when you didn’t have the same example growing up? Here are a few tips that can help your children develop a positive body image.
Refrain from Making Negative Comments About Your Body
First, it’s very important not to say negative things about your own body in front of your children. Your children can easily internalize these comments and start looking for the same "flaws” in themselves.
Remember, they share so many of your physical characteristics already that when you insult yourself, they can easily feel like you’re insulting them, too, especially if people frequently remark on how alike you look! This does not mean you always have to feel positive about your own body, but it’s best not to express these feelings around your kids.
Enjoy Fun Physical Activities Together
Celebrating your body for what it can do rather than what it looks like can help your child feel positive about their own body! This is a journey that you and your child can take together. Encourage your child to try out different sports and outdoor activities until they find a fitness hobby they genuinely enjoy.
It doesn’t have to be a team sport, either! Your child might fall in love with yoga, hiking, or surfing.
Keep an Eye on Your Child’s “Media Diet”
Today, your child might have access to highly edited, unrealistic images on apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Even if you try to set up parental controls, you never really know what they’re watching. It’s a good idea to limit your child’s screen time altogether and talk to them about the manipulation that occurs on these platforms.
Furthermore, be careful when choosing toys and dolls for your child, as these can also impart unrealistic expectations.
Have Open Conversations About Body Image
If your child has questions about topics related to body image, be ready to have frank conversations. You do not have to dodge this topic or brush it under the rug, even if these issues can be tough to talk about sometimes.
Remind your child that what someone looks like has nothing to do with their value as a person, and that everyone has inherent value, no matter what the number on the scale says.
Avoid Food Restrictions and “Diet Talk”
Unless your child has to avoid certain foods for medical reasons, such as allergies, don’t label certain foods as “bad” or “off limits.” This does not mean you have to serve sweets at every meal. You can emphasize cooking healthy meals while keeping snacks and treats in your pantry and fridge for dessert!
Teach your child that eating a healthy diet is not about deprivation, counting calories, or cutting out certain foods entirely. It’s all about finding nutritious foods that you do like, eating in a way that gives you the energy you need, and indulging in your cravings once in a while.
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Are you struggling with your own body image and worrying that this could affect your child? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for women’s counseling.