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Discuss the definition of Body Image with
your children. Have your children close their eyes and
describe to you what they see when they look in a mirror.
The image that they describe is the Body Image they have
of themselves. Listen to your child’s response
and remember not to pass judgement on what your child
might be saying. |
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Discuss consequences of having a negative
body image and the benefits of a positive self-image. |
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Reveal the reality behind the images that
the media portrays. Discuss airbrushing techniques and
manipulation through computer technology. Emphasize that
what they see is the finished product that has been touched
up over and over again. |
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Have your children tell you how they think
the looks that they see on TV or in ads were achieved?
(Ex. diet, steroids, surgery) Discuss if the methods
that they mention are healthy or unhealthy? |
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Parents should praise other qualities about
their children besides physical appearances. This will
help kids value other characteristics that have nothing
to do with physical appearances. |
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Parents should model a healthy body image
by making positive comments about themselves. Children
began to develop a sense of body image as early as
age five. Frequent comments about physical imperfections
can pass on a negative message to your children. |
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Encourage children to keep a positive comment
journal. In this journal they should write one positive
thing about themselves each day. This journal can be
used to remind kids of all the positive characteristics
they have. |
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Encourage children to create their own sense
of beauty. |
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Explain that everyone has a different idea of what
beauty is. What is beautiful to one person may not be
to another. It is impossible to fit everyone’s
definition of beauty, this is why creating your own sense
of beauty is so important. |
