How Parents Can Help Their Child’s Body Image
Body image is how someone mentally perceives and sees themselves, which may or may not be associated with physical appearance. Many factors contribute to how people, particularly children, and adolescents, view themselves, but parents also play a significant role. Although body dissatisfaction concerns may develop at any stage of life, growing up with them can significantly affect children as they head into adolescence and adulthood.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Many people believe that only teenagers and adults struggle with body image, but many children are also unhappy with their body and physical appearance. Research has determined that toddlers as young as three years old can develop body image issues. A study done by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) concluded that about 25% of children between three and five years old are not pleased with some aspect of their body. Other concerning statistics show that a little less than half of first through third-grade girls want to be thinner, 81% of 10-year-old children fear being “fat,” and 46% of 9-11-year-olds are dieting. Continuing into young adulthood, over one-half of teenage girls and one-third of teenage boys try to control their weight in an unhealthy way.
Some influences that affect a person’s body image include social media, bullying, puberty, sports, and comments made by others. Children struggling may display signs such as spending a lot of time looking in the mirror, feeling guilty for eating, or talking poorly about themselves. They may fear being made fun of for looking a certain way if they appear different from their friends or even the toys (i.e., dolls) they play with.
Although children often want to be liked their peers, their thoughts about themselves can also come from their parents. Children pick up on the language, tone of voice, and behaviors parents use when talking about food, exercise, and themselves. Here are some ways parents can help improve their child’s body image:
Be Cautious About How You Speak Around Children
If parents discuss looking ‘big’ in an outfit, wanting to diet, having to exercise before eating, or not eating a favorite food because it is “unhealthy,” children may believe these rules apply to them as well and form negative opinions about themselves. It can be very beneficial to see adults practice and show being comfortable and accepting of their body.
Be A Positive Role Model
If children observe adults labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” comparing themselves, commenting on other bodies, frequently stepping on the scale, or continuously looking in the mirror, there is a good chance the children will mimic these behaviors. Parents should try to embrace their body and be sure their child learns that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, but are all good.
Focus on Other Attributes
Parents should let their children know how proud they are of them. They can praise their child for being a good friend, asking to help around the house, working hard in school, being a nice person, accomplishing other goals, or having other qualities which make them unique. They can admire their child’s smile or eyes without commenting on their size. Children should grow up learning they are valued regardless of what they look like.
Avoid Making Comments About Portions and Food Choices
In addition to staying away from labeling foods, parents should not make their children feel guilty for eating. It can be detrimental to say phrases like, “You are still hungry after already eating?” or “If I ate that, I would have to go work it off right now.” It can be very harmful to a child’s body image and well-being if they grow up believing that certain foods need to be earned or that certain types of people should stick to certain foods.
Spend Time Together
Even for teenagers who would rather be with friends than their parents, it is important for parents to spend time with their children. Whether it is having meals together, watching TV together, or doing another activity, this can help make a child feel valued and like people want to be with them for who they are and not for what they look like.
Children with a positive body image often have more confidence and better self-esteem and try new things, which is often reflected in schoolwork, relationships, and other activities. By contrast, a poor body image may result in little self-confidence or feeling anxious around others. It can also lead to other mental health disorders, such as depression, disordered eating, or an eating disorder.
Parents and adults help mold how children see themselves and the world as they grow up. Many parents struggled with their own body image as children, and, as a result, they may unintentionally pass these beliefs and thoughts down to their children. Adults influence children’s thoughts and decisions; therefore, it is important for them to acknowledge their child’s strengths and qualities regardless of their looks and do all they can to raise a confident child.
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This post was written by BALANCE Marketing Assistant, Amanda Nussbaum (she/her).
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!