With New Years Resolutions still in swing, Body Positivity is a movement that encourages all people, especially those in larger bodies, to love their bodies exactly as they are. This is challenging in today’s society, as messages about food, bodies, and beauty standards are bombarding children from every direction. Here are three steps parents can take today to build Body Positivity in children.
Step One: Model Positive Self-Talk
Consider the ways in which you talk about food, bodies, and weight in your home. As awkward as it may feel, add more, out-loud, positive self-talk into your day. Talk about how strong your arms are when they pick up the baby. Mention how great it is that you have powerful legs that carry you all the places you want to walk. Hearing you talk positively about your body will help them create a similar inner dialogue.
Step Two: Encourage All Foods
Encourage children to enjoy all types of food. Show your children that eating a salad and eating cake are both fun! Sometimes your body wants a piece of fruit and sometimes it wants a slice of pizza. Both feelings are valid. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the more you restrict foods, the more your children will crave those foods. Allow all foods in a way that makes you feel comfortable and lets your children know that nothing is off limits all the time. Everything has its place.
Step Three: Practice Standing up to Body Negativity
Most children will experience body shaming at one time or another, especially if your child is in a larger body. Take time to talk through and practice what your child could say this situation. I teach my children to hold up their hand and say, “Stop that. It’s not nice.” Then, walk away.
The best way to teach your child Body Positivity is to be body positive yourself!
Lynnly Wood is a former teacher, future therapist and the host of Building Better Humans Podcast. She helps women ditch diet culture in order to live their one, true, beautiful life.
