Healthy Body Image

Bodies come in different shapes, sizes and features, and it is important to remember all the wonderful things the body does for you. Our bodies are made up of several complex systems that protect us from infection and perform tasks and skills as we grow from infant to adult. Taking care of our body requires healthy choices including physical activity, good nutrition and keeping it clean.

Body image is the belief in how someone thinks their body looks and how they feel about it. This differs from person to person. Body image is not only about your body size, weight or what you see in the mirror; it is also about how you feel about yourself and how you think you should look. For some kids they focus on a certain size, for others it is fitness, and it can also be physical appearance such as hairstyle and color.

What are some of the factors that can affect whether you see your body in a positive or negative way?

• Family beliefs/values
• Other people’s opinions
• Media/social media/advertising
• Your own individual beliefs, views, and mood

So, parents, how can you talk to your kids about body image?

As a parent, it is important to know how your child feels and thinks about his/her body. Having a conversation is always a great first step. Start by asking your child if it is a good time to talk. Try to find the right moment in private, with no distractions to talk about positive body image with your kids. Ask them their idea of what a perfect body is and how they feel about their own body. It is important to listen and repeat back to them what you are hearing.

You can help your kids build a healthy body image at home from a young age by:

• Focusing on health and not weight. This can be done by talking about fueling up with nutritious foods (and the effects of poor nutrition/junk foods) for the body, focusing on mental health, staying physically active, and practicing good hygiene. Keeping the body healthy requires consistent work.
• Talking about how amazing our body is and all the processes it goes through to keep us alive, to help us move, to make us learn, allowing us to connect with others. Avoid talking in a non-positive way about other people’s bodies.
• Talking positively about all types of bodies and what makes us all different and special in our own way.

Remember that a person’s body changes, their body image can change over time, especially for teens. If you have a concern that your child is struggling with body image, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider.

Written by: Julissa Rivera-Nieves, PGY-1 BayCare Pediatric Residency Program

Additional resources:

"Talking to Kids about food and their bodies" an article from the Kids Mental Health Foundation.

"Body Positivity for Kids" an article from the The Kids Mental Health Foundation