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HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN TO LOVE AND RESPECT THEIR BODIES

From reflections of self-acceptance to deconstructing the definition of “fat”, there are some key ways we can nurture body positive kids.

When we talk about standards of beauty, many are quick to point a finger at the media. But have we taken a look in our own homes? Chances are we have svelte and blonde Barbie dolls or chiselled superhero figurines lying around our kids’ rooms next to books with “regular size” characters; while our own spaces as parents may be filled with “how to lose weight” recipes, workout videos on repeat, or restrictive shapewear so that clothes “fit better”. Our environments and lifestyles are full of unintentional triggers that could potentially impact or influence our children’s perceptions of beauty—and in turn, their thoughts on body positivity… or negativity.

Body issues affect children as early as three

As it turns out, children are not as optimistic or carefree as we think, with new research finding negative thoughts around their weight and how their bodies look. According to the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), 24 percent of childcare professionals witness signs of body-related unhappiness amongst kids as young as 3-years-old. That number almost doubles as children get older, with 47 percent identifying similar body image anxieties in 6 to 10-year-olds. This is why how we talk to our children about beauty and bodies is crucial. The same goes for how we talk to ourselves about it, which should be reflected in the way we lead our lives. As parents, we are the first and main role models in their lives, and children internalise our words and actions more than we think. How we define what is strong, healthy or goodlooking will go on to shape their thoughts, so introducing diversity and inclusivity is key.

Teach your child about selfacceptance in the mirror

One of the first few things we teach our children is the basics of anatomy. As soon as they demonstrate some form of understanding about their bodies, we should start bringing attention to body parts—like hands, ears, toes and lips. Not only will this teach them that no matter what other images they see growing up, their body parts are their own, and are great just the way they are. While in front of a mirror, you can ask them to point out where their knees, arms and nose are, and use words of affirmation to highlight their functions: like “isn’t your nose great, it helps you smell and taste!” Always find the positive, but also acknowledge any differences that make them unique. No one is perfect, and no one expects them to be.

Be a body positive role model

If your child sees you obsessing over calories, what the weighing scale says, or constantly bingeing on junk food on the couch, they will follow suit. How you live your life as a parent forms the building blocks of their daily habits and self-esteem, as they tend to mirror behaviours while discovering and soaking in the world around them. So we have to set