Help your child build a healthy body image by fostering media literacy, encouraging self-worth, and focusing on body appreciation over appearance.
“The best gift you are ever going to give someone — the permission to feel safe in their own skin.”― Hannah Brencher
Key Concepts:
- Body image is a combination of the thoughts and feelings that one has about one’s body. It is influenced by internal (e.g. personality) and external (e.g. social environment) factors.
- Those with perfectionist tendencies, high achievers, rigid 'black and white' thinkers, and those with low self-esteem or depression are at a higher risk of developing body dissatisfaction.
- Adopting a view of your body that incorporates both body positivity and body neutrality, can make a difference in overall mental health and long-term outcomes.
- Social media and marketing plays a dual role in both supporting and negatively impacting body image among tweens and teens.
- Body image concerns can look much different in boys and girls.
What to Try:
- Encourage your child to take breaks from social media and partake in other activities that foster a good perception of their bodies and self-worth
- Make sure to discuss media literacy with your children. Ask your children what they think of the images they see.
- Focus on the body as an instrument. Body appreciation means respecting all of the things your body does and is capable of.
- Curb your own body image issues. Be careful about your language about yourself and others.
- Discuss the qualities of people beyond physical appearance. Recognize and notice the characteristics that show the complexity of peoples nature, and not just their beauty.
- Get support if you need it, or if you are concerned about any early warning signs or new behaviors.