Kids who have a negative body image feel more self-conscious and isolated, and are more likely to end up overweight or with an eating disorder.
On the other hand, kids with a positive body image are more likely to succeed, and they don’t dwell on weight gain or their looks.
The American Dietetic Association suggests how to help parents promote a healthy body image among children:
- Speak positively about your body—to avoid teaching a child to be unhappy with his or her own appearance.
- Focus primarily on your child’s health, not weight alone. Stress the importance of eating nutritious foods.
- Get children involved in physical activities that they enjoy.
- Check with your child’s school to make sure it addresses bullying.
- Help your child understand that no one has a perfect body, despite images seen on TV and in the movies.