theChat.scot

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Talking about body image and being positive

As parents, we want our children to grow up with confidence and self-acceptance. This means being positive about who they are, which includes having a positive view of their body. We can help them to remember that it’s what they do with their body, not how it looks, that really matters. However, by this age children can already feel pressures about how they look. They may be comparing themselves with other children, or with the images they see online or on TV. When they are still at primary school and as they transition to secondary, we can help build the confidence and understanding they need to face the increasing pressures about body image that will come in the teenage years.

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What is body image? Why does it matter?

This text will help you explain what body image is and why it matters. We can introduce this conversation when we are having chats about growing up and changing bodies, or when our child mentions how someone looks, especially when they have a critical view of that person’s body. These suggestions might help start important ongoing conversations.

All our bodies are different, and that’s a good thing. How our bodies look is only one part of who we are.

Body image is the way we think and feel about the size, shape and overall appearance of our bodies. A positive body image means that you like how you look and feel positive about your body. A positive body image means that you don’t worry about how you look. A positive body image means we can be confident and try new things.

When you are watching things online or on TV you might see people that look like you. And you will see people that don’t look like you. I want you to be confident about who you are.

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Top tips for a positive body image

You could ask your child: What would be your top tips to other children to help them to be positive about their body? In the chat you could suggest:

If you visit websites or watch programmes that say that girls or boys have to look a certain way, just remember that we are all different and that is okay.

I’d say never make bad comments to a person about how they look. Support your friends – remind them about how much you appreciate them for who they are.

If you have a question or a worry about your body or about how you look, speak to a me (a trusted adult). Always remember that you are unique and special.

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Books

You might like to read these books together. Your school or library might have them, or you can ask the library if they will order a book for you.

Ever since she was a baby, the words people use to describe Elyse have instantly appeared on her arms and legs. At first it was just “cute” and “adorable,” but as she’s gotten older, others have gotten meaner. A book about accepting oneself.

Amanda’s skating coach makes a comment about her weight. Should she quit or make her dream come true?

A book to encourage you to admire and celebrate your body for all the amazing things it can do.

Raina just wanted to be a normal girl, but one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with braces, surgery and headgear. On top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion and friends who turn out to not be so friendly.

A boy struggles with body image in this poignant journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.