It can be surprising, and a little heartbreaking, to learn just how early body image concerns can begin. Research shows that children start forming ideas about their bodies at a very young age. In fact, one study found that nearly half of girls aged 3 to 5 highly valued their appearance. Another study reported that by the age of 7, one in four children has already tried some form of dieting.
Early Intervention for Body Image
Addressing body image with children before they even start school can make a significant difference, helping to prevent the struggles with negative body image and eating disorders that can arise later in life. You might feel uncertain about how to approach this, and that's completely normal. The goal isn't to have complex conversations but to build a foundation of body appreciation.
So, what does early intervention look like? It's about shifting the focus from appearance to appreciation. Instead of talking about what a body looks like, we can talk about all the amazing things our bodies can do.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit my son’s pre-K class to read a book about celebrating our bodies. The book, My Body and Me, is a short story about children of different backgrounds and abilities who share their appreciation for various body parts and what they enable them to do. After reading, I handed out heart-shaped stickers with each child's name on them and asked them to place their sticker on a favorite body part on a drawing of a preschooler's body. One by one, the children took turns sharing their favorite body part and explaining what it could help them do. Their responses ranged from loving their feet that helped them run to sticking out their tongues to make silly faces and laugh.
How Parents Can Foster Positive Body Image
- Focus on function: Celebrate what their bodies allow them to do. You can say things like, "Your strong legs helped you run so fast at the park today!" or "Your hands and fingers do a great job coloring!”
- Encourage diverse role models: Expose them to a variety of body shapes and sizes in books, media, and toys. This helps them understand that bodies come in all different forms and that all of them are good.
- Model body positivity: Children learn by watching the adults around them. Try to avoid making negative comments about your own body or the bodies of others. When they hear you speak about your body with respect and kindness, they are more likely to do the same for themselves.
The final point—modeling body positivity—can be challenging if you have had negative feelings about your own body or relationship with food. However, now is a great opportunity to work on developing a more positive mindset about your body, both for your well-being and to set a healthy example for your little ones. Navigating these conversations can feel challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're concerned about your child's body image or want to learn more about improving your own relationship with your body, seeking professional guidance from an experienced eating disorder therapist can help. I can work with you to provide strategies and support to empower both you and your child to celebrate living in your bodies in the years to come.