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Body Image & Children

Signs Your Child Has a Negative Body Image

Knowing the warning signs of an unhealthy body image in children can help parents identify problems early. What to watch for:

• Signals that a girl views herself only in terms of her physical appearance.
• The language your daughter uses to describe herself and her physical development and attractiveness.
• Excessive dieting
• Frequent comments about the weight of other girls
• Worries about sexual attractiveness
• Depression and low self-esteem

Parents can help boost a poor body image by:

• Helping children understand that their bodies will change and grow
• Helping children understand that there is not one “ideal” body shape
• Watching what they say about their own bodies and the comments they make about other people’s bodies
• Avoiding stereotypes, prejudices, and words like ugly and fat
• Helping children focus on their abilities and personalities rather than their physical appearance
• Promoting physical activity and exercise. Girls who play sports tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and healthier body images. “Be fit, not necessarily thin, and you will be healthy for life,” is an excellent motto.
• Discouraging children from weighing themselves too often

via WebMD

(via coffee-and-yoga)