How to Help Our Kids Build a Healthy Body Image

Posted by Christie in Moms Advice on Friday, February 13th, 2009

I was watching the news this week and it amazed me how much airtime was dedicated to pictures of Jessica Simpson. They apparently indicate that she has gained weight lately and news stations were dedicating time to this story over actual newsworthy stories and it shocked me. I guess it shouldn’t, we live in a society that is obsessed not only with our own waistlines but also those of everyone around us. 

I have been doing some reading about Jessica Simpson, one gossip site says that she is now up to a size 8… which is smaller than average. The point of this is not the size of Jessica Simpson’s designer jeans, it is the effect that this obsession has on our kids. 

My SON, who is tiny was talking the other day about going on a diet! He is six years old and if he turns sideways you can’t see him. He could still wear a size 3T pant except for the length… and by far he is the smallest boy in his class… to hear him talking about losing weight made my heart clench. When I asked him why he thought that, he said that a bunch of kids at school were talking about going on diets. I couldn’t imagine a group of first graders sitting around the lunch table talking about their WEIGHT of all things. 

I have a three year old daughter and it scares me to think about the things that she is going to bombarded with in a society that is obsessed with physical appearances. She already is asking to wear fancy dresses, makeup, and lots of jewelry.

One thing is for sure… I am suddenly much more conscious about what I do or say around my children. I know that I am guilty making comments about feeling fat, looking fat, needing to workout more, etc… I think we all are. I am trying harder to set a good, healthy example for my children by eating well and being active. I am also working to teach the same behaviors to them by serving them healthier snacks and getting our family as a whole moving more. 

I know that I can’t protect them from all of the images that they will be bombarded with through magazines, television, and other places. I can’t walk around and plug their ears from all of the comments they will hear people make about weight and appearances… but I can do a few things:

♦ Help them to have a good body image of themselves.

♦ Help them to have a healthy lifestyle.

♦ Encourage them to be active and busy by example.

♦ Try to teach them to have strong self confidence in themselves no matter what. 

I hope that you will excuse my mommy rant today, but I think it is so important for all of us as parents to be aware of this issue and the effect that it can have on our children. I hope that reading this will make you more aware of what is done or said around your children and the effect it can have on their developing self esteem and self image.



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2 Responses to “How to Help Our Kids Build a Healthy Body Image”

  1. Dara Chadwick Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    Christie, I couldn’t agree more and I think you’re wise to be thinking about all this - and consciously minding your own example - while your children are so young.

    Thanks for the reminder :-).

  2. Sherry Says:
    May 17th, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    It’s hard to believe that little kids are focused on this, but I guess they simply mirror our obsessions. Apparently, eating disorders amongst boys are on the rise as well, so it is important for all parents to be mindful.

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