Body Image Positivity – Every Parent Needs to Know

Body image is how someone thinks but has nothing to do with appearance, including size, height, shape or weight.

Body image is acceptance, appreciating and respecting the body. It is associated with better self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-care. A negative or poor approach towards physical or mental health leads to depression, anxiety or eating disorders. 

• Body image can impact relationships, social interactions, mood, and daily activities. 
• Feeling self-conscious or unhappy about someone’s appearance can lead to avoiding social situations and withdrawing from daily life. 
• It can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation and increase worries about being accepted by others, which can further harm self-esteem.

Body shaming starts from within the house, in most of the houses. If there is any concern regarding body image, consultation with the pediatrician is crucial. 

For more parental tips on child care, read the blog “Pediatric Care Tips Every Parent Should Know.”

Be a role model to the child.

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s lives. Encouraging them not only makes them feel good but also equips them with the courage to face any further situations.

• Follow before you preach.
• Parents should avoid complaining about body parts they are dissatisfied or unhappy with and refrain from sharing these thoughts or discussing them in front of their children. Instead, respect and teach how to stay healthy.
• Respecting the body and demonstrating healthy acceptance is crucial, so be cautious of words that may hurt the child.
• Avoid labeling everything. Instead, focus on nourishment and encourage flexibility in eating habits. Assigning moral values to food can create an unhealthy environment and create guilt with food habits, affecting disordered eating behaviors. 
• Promote eating for nourishment and pleasure rather than encouraging them to fill their stomach while hungry.
• Engage them in physical activities to focus on the health, fun, and enjoyment of the body’s shape.

Help children to feel confident about themselves

A strong sense of identity and belonging are crucial to any child’s self esteem.

• Provide children with opportunities to solve problems and develop confidence in their abilities. Encourage them to engage in problem-solving, active listening, and the expression of their emotions, thoughts, and individuality.
• Teach different coping strategies to help them deal with life’s challenges.
• Help them to say ‘No’. Encourage them to be assertive if they’ve been mistreated by anyone.
• Puberty is a worrying time. Listen and reassure them on their physical appearance, body size and shape changes that happen during puberty. 
• Do not make positive or negative comments about their appearance, because sometimes, friendly nicknames can be hurtful if they are dependent on their appearance.
• Make them feel comfortable and important in the family. This little gesture helps them in gaining self confidence. 

When to see a Pediatrician?

Body image is how someone thinks but has nothing to do with appearance, including size, height, shape or weight. But if there are any abnormalities in the development of the body, it is important to consult the pediatrician. 

• Follow up with a pediatrician if the child is struggling with food, despite the best efforts.
• The pediatrician evaluates the child and might suggest frequent follow-up visits to address the overeating or under-eating. 
• Based on the checkup, they sometimes recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or nutritionist to take care of the child.

As parents, fostering a supportive and healthy environment is essential, and Lotus Hospital is here to help. Our expert pediatricians are dedicated to providing the guidance and care your child needs.

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