Helping Your Child with Body Image: 5 Quick Tips

On Oct 24, 2023

How to Promote Body Positivity in Children

Introduction

You probably assume that body-image anxiety is something your child will be dealing with in middle school. But did you know that 34% of girls are already restricting their eating by age 5 so as not to get fat? According to a 2015 study in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, up to 60% of girls aged 6-12 are concerned about getting “too fat.” And research by Common Sense Media reveals that more than half of 6-to-8-year-old girls and a third of boys that age think they should weigh less. These startling statistics highlight the importance of promoting body positivity in children from a young age.

The Impact of Negative Body Talk on Children

Molly, a mom of two in Washington, D.C., didn’t expect the F-word (fat) to come up at a rehearsal for her daughter’s dance recital. But during a break, her daughter, 5-year-old June, came over and said, “Rosie saw me in my costume and asked me why I’m so fat.” Molly’s heart sank. “It could have been a neutral question, but it sounded like a judgment,” she says. “Especially because Rosie is a slender white child and June is Black and at the time was a bit bigger and rounder than the other kids in her grade.” And it might seem like that is way too young to be hearing negative body talk — but, in fact, children as young as 3 are being seen engaging with the negative body attitudes and stereotypes around weight.

The Importance of Body Positivity

Of course, it’s also true that kids are, on average, bigger today than they were a generation ago—and there are real health consequences associated with having a high body weight during childhood, including an increased risk for diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. However, managing your child’s physical and mental health when weight is a concern is a delicate task. “Studies show that putting kids on a diet doesn’t reduce their risk of those health issues, and dieting during childhood is the number-one risk factor for developing an eating disorder later on,” says Anna Lutz, R.D., a pediatric dietitian in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Strategies for Promoting Body Positivity

1. Put Body Changes In Perspective

It can be hard for doctors to know whether an increase in a child’s weight reflects a health concern or a typical growth spurt. Many kids experience a pretty dramatic weight gain either just before or during early puberty. It’s normal for girls in the 50th percentile to gain around 10 pounds per year for four years beginning anywhere from 8 to 10 years old and for boys to have a similar growth spurt a few years later. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has previously advised pediatricians as well as parents to have fewer discussions about weight and dieting with children and instead to talk to kids of all sizes about building healthy lifestyle habits.

2. Consider Your Own Body Image

When your child sees you criticizing your own body, it can have a negative impact on their body image. Avoid saying negative things about your body or anyone else’s within your children’s earshot. Let your kids see you existing in your body without apology. Model body-positive behaviors, including a relaxed attitude about healthy eating and enjoyment of physical activity. By loving yourself unconditionally, you show your children that they should do the same.

3. Notice Weight Stigma

Pretending that fat bodies don’t exist or shouldn’t be talked about doesn’t help our children—because they will notice body size sooner or later. And most of the messages they get about bigger bodies will be negative. Consider how every Disney princess is thin, and many of the villains are fat. It’s important to acknowledge weight stigma and have open conversations about body size with your children. By normalizing all body sizes and challenging societal biases, you can help your child develop a healthy body image.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits

Instead of focusing on weight, emphasize the importance of healthy habits. Teach your child to listen to their hunger and fullness cues, get enough sleep, be physically active, and have good emotional health. By taking care of their body in these ways, they can learn better, sleep better, and play better. Encourage a balanced and varied diet, and engage in fun physical activities as a family.

5. Celebrate Uniqueness

Help your child understand that everyone’s body is unique and that’s what makes them special. Teach them to appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than how it looks. Encourage them to focus on their strengths and talents, and celebrate their achievements. By cultivating a positive and accepting environment, you can foster a healthy body image in your child.

By implementing these strategies, you can promote body positivity in your child from an early age. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching your child to love and care for their body.