How to contribute to a healthy body image in children?

Body image is the way you see and you feel about your body. Children who have a positive body image feel good about themselves. They are happy with how their body looks and moves and with what they can do with it.

Body image is a central aspect in children’s overall self-image. Healthy body image contributes to a high self-esteem and makes children feel more secure and autonomous. Their problem-solving and self-control skills are greater as well.

Body image in young children

A healthy body image develops over time. Babies and young children feel naturally good about their bodies. They like to touch and ‘explore’ their bodies and feel proud when they are able to achieve things by themselves.

As they grow, children are pleased to hear you saying ‘Wow. How tall you have grown’. They like when parents watch how fast they run and how many things they are able to do. The more they grow, the more children compare themselves to other children. This process is called ‘social comparison’. This is where some children might get teased, feel uncomfortable or get bullied about how their body looks. ‘Social comparison’ can make children feel down or hurt, and may negatively affect their self-esteem which is under construction at this age.

Parents may help young children get a positive body image when : they show how proud they feel about their children’s achievements and success; praise and give positive feedbacks; let children use their bodies and do things; give care and cuddling; motivate children to learn and use new skills; help them take care of their body; teach them about their body; let them be active; and communicate positive things regarding how children look.

If you child is bullied, help your children repair the negative feelings and take steps to stop the bullying. Don’t hesitate to look for external help if needed.

If you like this article, you might be also interested in knowing how to increase your child’s emotional intelligence. Please click here. You might also wish to know more about effective parenting. Please click here.

If you would like to learn more about parenting, don't hesitate to get in touch on: info@angelpsychology.com.

With warm wishes,

Dr Ivanka Ezhova

Founder of Angel Psychological Therapy - Online Psychological Therapy