Children with a healthy body image are happy with the way they think about their body and the way they perceive how they look and move. This perception starts during babyhood and continues developing throughout our lives. Having a positive body image will give your child greater confidence and higher self-esteem.
Children are exposed to a range of body images daily and some might start to worry they need to look a certain way, feeling sad or anxious if they believe they don’t match up. This can lead to them having lower levels of confidence, increased anxiety, negative thoughts about themselves, feeling withdrawn and even self-harming or controlling what they eat.
From a very young age, children are aware of comments made about their body, and of those around them. Teasing can hurt, and might lead to unhealthy eating habits. Always stay positive about food and body shape, encouraging your children to eat a healthy diet and to be active. Listen to any worries they may have.
Let your young person know the changes they're going through during puberty are normal. Your child might be feeling more self-conscious than they did before. Encourage them to talk about any worries especially those young people who are questioning their gender identity. Clear communication between you and your teen can help you both feel happier, more connected, and more confident when you have to have tricky conversations.
Families who might need further support
Neurodivergent young people may have issues around food that can be complex. Your child may restrict certain foods due to sensory processing challenges or anxiety in social situations. They may feel the need for the control and familiarity that restricted eating brings, and sometimes they develop strict routines around exercise and calorie counting. Autism.org.uk has advice for parents of neurodivergent children.
Useful resources
- Family Doctor.org has a guide on body image issues in children and teens.
- Young Minds has a guide for parents on eating disorders.
- The Beat Project has a helpline for parents and young people suffering from or concerned about eating disorders.
- The Children's Society has some great guidance for young people on body image.
