Shaping Self-Esteem: Promoting Positive Body Image With Your Kids

When discussing body image with your kids, it’s important to promote a positive & healthy perspective.

Here are some tips to guide your conversation:

Start Early:

Begin discussing body image and self-acceptance at an early age. This helps establish a foundation of positive body image & self-esteem.

Emphasise  Inner Qualities:

Encourage your child to value their inner qualities, such as kindness, intelligence, creativity, & empathy. Teach them that their worth is not solely determined by their physical appearance.

Role Model Positive Behaviour:

Children learn by observing their parents & caregivers. Model positive body image, self-care, & healthy habits, including focusing on health rather than appearance.

Promote Health, Not Size:

Shift the focus from size and weight to overall health & well-being. Encourage a balanced approach to nutrition, physical activity & self-care, emphasising the importance of feeling good rather than achieving a specific body shape or size.

Encourage Self-Acceptance:

Help children develop a positive relationship with their bodies by teaching self-acceptance.

Encourage them to appreciate & celebrate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look.

Celebrate Diversity:

Teach your children to appreciate & embrace diversity in body types, ethnicities, and appearances.

Discuss with them how beauty comes in various forms & that everyone is unique & special in their own way.

Media Literacy:

Teach children to critically analyse media messages about beauty & body image. Help them to understand that many images are unrealistic & often heavily edited & that true beauty comes in many forms.

Open Dialogue:

Create a safe space for open dialogue about body image with your children – both boys & girls.

Encourage your kids to express their thoughts, feelings & concerns about their bodies. Listen attentively, validate their experiences & provide reassurance & support.

Encourage Self-Care:

Teach kids about the importance of taking care of themselves, both physically & mentally. Promote activities that nurture their overall well-being, such as engaging in some hobbies, spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness & engaging in self-care practices they enjoy.

Foster a Positive Environment:

Surround children with positive influences & role models who embody diverse body types, strengths & achievements.

Encourage them to have healthy relationships & friendships that value each other for who they are.

Remember, promoting a positive body image is an ongoing process that requires consistent reinforcement, support & nurturing.

By pausing to ponder these tips, you can help, guide & encourage your children to develop a healthy & resilient attitude towards their bodies.