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POSITIVE PARENTING - POSITIVE BODY IMAGE

POSITIVE BODY IMAGE

Help your child to foster a healthy body image.

As children reach adolescence they are very aware of the changes that are happening to their bodies. Girls especially are cognizant of how they look. Parents should realize that some of these feelings are natural and some attention to body size and shape is part of the normal growing process. But when a girl doesn't want to take physical education in school because of how she looks in shorts, this may be a warning sign of a poor body image

Body image is how we perceive our bodies and how we presume others perceive it. It is not based on fact but rather on what we see as fact. It is formed from everything you have ever experienced and from all the people you have ever known in your life. Your parents, the media and even your peers have an impact on how you value your body. An example might be if your parents are tall and your siblings are tall and you are more of a shorter stature you may feel inadequate compared to the rest of the family. While psychological in nature it is based on perception, which may sometimes be a bit distorted. Having a distorted body image can also lead to self-destructive behavior such as chronic dieting or binge eating.

We as parents must realize that children often copy our beliefs and prejudices and any negative comments that a parent or guardian may say without thinking, may have a negative influence on the self esteem of our children and in turn their own body image. By being aware of what we say and how we perceive our own and other peoples' body shapes and sizes we can help to foster a more positive body image for our children. Here are few suggestions that parents and caregivers can use to help nurture a more positive body image and strong self-esteem in their children.

• Educate yourself - Learn about your own attitudes about weight and shape and how genetics play a major role in how we look physically.
• Counteract any unhealthy media messages - Help your children to see that the images in magazines and on the television are altered and air brushed to appear perfect so they can sell products. NO ONE looks that way in real life.
• Teach your children that people come in all shapes colours, sizes and abilities. Purchase magazines that display that kind of diversity in their articles and advertising.
• Encourage your children to be active and lead by example - Regular physical activity helps to promote a positive body image. Whether it is individual activities or something for the whole family, make sure it is enjoyable.
• Teach your children to handle teasing and peer pressure - Tell your children that you love and accept them for who they are and not what they may look like, and they do not have to accept the teasing and ridicule.
• Provide healthy food choices and snacks and educate your children on portion control and that there is nothing wrong with an occasional treat once in awhile.
• Focus on things that have nothing to do with your child's physical appearance - such as their personality or talent rather than commenting on what they look like.
• Seek professional counseling for your child if you suspect your child may be developing an eating disorder

The media and outside world will continue to be a major influence on our children's body image but it is up to us to try and undo some of the damage. Teach your children that being thin and beautiful does not ensure happiness and that many of fashion models are underweight. Talk to them about the dangerous health risks of being so thin and how they need to resist the pressure to strive for the so-called "perfect" body. Teach them instead to find ways to feel good about themselves other than their weight and appearance.

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."
~ Kahlil Gibran~

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