Thanks to Rowena from Amazing Me.
What Is Body Image?
The definition of ‘body image’ is the way you think and feel about your body and what it looks like.
I have grown to accept my body as I age, but when I was going through puberty, I was plagued with body image insecurities. Were you? How did this affect you? Our children are growing up in a different world especially because of the media and the internet, and as a result, it can be much harder for them to accept their bodies.
I have been thinking lately about what could have helped me. So here are some do’s and don’ts that if you put into practise can make a huge difference to your child having a positive or negative body image.
12 Do's To Help Teach Children About Positive Body Image
- Practise what you preach and be a role model.
- Encourage exercise and health within your family.
- Encourage acceptance of the body shapes of all people – especially your own body.
- Be positive about your own body and focus on your strengths too.
- Talk about media that shows different body shapes and sizes (there are more now).
- Monitor your child’s media if you need to.
- Encourage your kids to invite friends over who are positive and also encourage them to hang around people that make them feel good about themselves.
- Say nice things about your child’s body and more importantly their strengths as a person.
- If your child comments about something negative about their own body, counteract it with a positive comment.
- Educate your child about the changes that happen during puberty so they can expect that their shape and looks will change. Emphasise that puberty is a process over time, during which one’s body continues to change quickly.
- Encourage your child to talk with you, and to know that you are always there for them without judgement.
- Get help if you need it. There are so many great support networks if you or your child needs it!
To read the rest of this article click here for Amazing Me
