The Importance Of Body Positivity Around Children
Children are like mushrooms – they learn from everything they see from their parents. They listen to everything we say and imitate everything we do. With that in mind, parents have a great responsibility, not only in terms of raising their children, but also in terms of their emotional development and personal growth. The shrubs we send our children around their bodies have an enormous weight. Therefore, we need to teach them about body positivity.
It is crucial that parents are very aware that it can have serious consequences if they criticize their own appearance in front of their children. It does not matter how old their children are. Of course, we do not want our children to be insecure about their bodies or their appearance. That is why it is so important to help them love their body in the healthiest way possible.
Body positivity and children
Your children do not have to grow up and and constantly pay attention to their appearance. It is much more important for them to pay attention to their health. With that in mind, you need to be a good example so that your children have a positive role model to follow… Regardless of your current physical condition.
As a parent, you always want to be a role model for healthy behaviors for your children. If you are obsessed with your weight and your children see this, what message are you teaching them?
Your children may perceive that they are only as admirable and attractive as the image they see in the mirror shows. It makes it difficult for children to grow up with a healthy view of beauty, weight and what it means to be healthy.
Parents who fall down physically
When children witness their parents criticizing another person’s weight or appearance, they may think that this type of interaction is acceptable. However, it is actually on the verge of being rude, and, no doubt, it is verbally harmful. Children who see this kind of verbal exchange may perceive it as something completely normal.
They may also acquire the same habit in their own relationships. And, at the same time, they may feel attracted to relationships where this kind of verbal exchange seems common, familiar, and, thus, desirable… Whether they are initiators or recipients.
Teach your children about body positivity
The best message parents can send their children is that beauty comes in many different forms. One of the most important goals when it comes to our body is to be healthy. You need to concentrate on your child’s inner beauty. At the same time, pay attention to models that are reminiscent of your children’s appearance, as valid reference points. It can act as a positive motivator so that your children embrace their unique, physical qualities.
Does the body image affect girls more than it affects boys?
Both boys and girls suffer because of the cultural and societal perceptions when it comes to body image and what it means to be attractive. However, when it comes to men, appearance has always been less important when it comes to overall success in life. And, consciously or unconsciously, this message has been passed down from generation to generation.
Problems with body image and eating disorders occur in both boys and girls. Sometimes, the obsession with one’s physical appearance can take a different form, known as body dysmorphia. This refers to an obsession with an increased body volume. In other words, reverse anorexia.
Some of these problems with a person’s body image can go unnoticed and undiagnosed in children. And, this may explain some of the varying statistics we can find.
Messages about body positivity: Parents have to deal with their own problems with their body image
Parents need to be aware of what they are doing and saying, as well as how they are acting. It includes the way they treat themselves as it sends a powerful message to their children. So, we need to consider the type of messages we want our children to learn, and teach them about body positivity.
It is also beneficial for mothers to educate themselves about their postpartum body. It takes time to get back in shape after giving birth. Understanding this can be helpful and it can help minimize the tendency to loathe and attack their body after giving birth.
The best anecdote against dissatisfaction with your body is to practice healthy habits. So, if you are not happy with something that has to do with your body, then make satisfaction a new goal.
It is important that we all pay attention to the different types of beauty because there are so many different types of bodies. If you want to feel good about how you see yourself, try to be the best version of yourself. Be willing to deal with problems that have to do with your body image, along with your children. And, you should always make sure that you do this from a positive perspective and a supportive approach.
