How to Foster Healthy Body Image

Body image refers to how we perceive or think about our body. Having a healthy body image means we are able to accept and respect how we look, feel confident, and comfortable about it. As body image is believed to start developing around the preschool years, it is crucial for parents to take an active role in helping their children develop a positive and healthy body image. 

Role Model 

Your body image, and how you comment or talk about your body, could also affect your child’s perception of body image. Be aware of what you say in front of your child; avoid negative comments about your body, such as being unsatisfied with how you look in a photo. Avoid commenting about others' bodies as well. Additionally, adopt a healthy lifestyle and consume balanced meals. It's okay to consume “unhealthy food” such as junk food or oily food from time to time, but, of course, avoid binge eating and doing so on a daily basis. This helps your child develop a healthy mindset about consuming a variety of foods and savouring them instead of being fixated on how much extra weight will be gained from eating the food.  

Build Confidence and Self-Esteem 

Being confident about how one’s body looks is the key to a healthy body image. Build confidence and self-esteem in your kids through various aspects of life. Don’t hesitate to give them compliments and always remember to keep reprimands or comments private. Also, when you are praising them, make sure you are genuine so they can feel your sincerity. Validate their feelings of unsatisfaction about certain parts of their body, but also guide them to understand that no one is perfect, encouraging them to accept their flaws.  

Physical Activities 

Physical activities that do not emphasise body appearance are believed to help one acknowledge and appreciate what their bodies can do. Encourage your child to be physically active from a young age, and better still, join them in those activities. Allow them to explore different activities and develop their preferences. Finding one that they truly enjoy will be a useful motivator for them to continue engaging in into adulthood. Also, it is important to emphasise that engaging in those physical activities should be for fun, enjoyment, a healthy lifestyle, and not for the sake of weight management or to change one's body shape. 

Seek Professional Support 

If you find that your child is struggling with a negative body image or coping with unhealthy mechanisms, it is recommended to seek professional support, such as reaching out to a mental health professional. An individually tailored intervention could be planned and might be more effective at supporting your child.