The way you feel about your body becomes your body image. Children with a positive body image are confident in their appearance. They like the way they look, the way their bodies move and grow, and the things their bodies can do. A child’s body image is an aspect of their overall self-image.
Having a positive body image helps children feel more confident. A child with a negative body image does not feel good about themselves or their appearance. His/Her self-esteem is harmed by a negative body image. It has the potential to lower one’s self-esteem.
One of the most common reasons for children’s lack of confidence in their oral appearance. They become the cause of mockery in school. If your child has this problem, it’s best to consult a professional. You should take your kids to a reputable cosmetic dentist that will help you build your child’s confidence.
A positive body image develops over time. It all starts in adolescence. It gets stronger as the children become adults. When children reach puberty, things change and that’s when you should be there for them to teach them about a positive attitude towards appearance.
Research on Childhood Body Image
The PACEY, a charitable organization that supports individuals working in childcare across England and Wales, published research in August 2016 that indicated it’s not uncommon for very young children to express displeasure with their appearance. The following are some of the findings of their investigation:
- As many as 24% of child care providers have seen children as young as 3 to 5 years old express dissatisfaction with their own appearance or physique.
- A stunning 47 percent of childcare professionals have witnessed body-image anxiety in children aged 6 to 10, nearly double the number of body-image nervous children aged only a few years younger.
- Children are getting more conscious about their bodies at a younger age, according to 71 percent of child care employees.
- 10% of childcare workers say they’ve heard a youngster express she or he feels ugly, and 16% say they’ve heard children say they wish they were as pretty or attractive as someone else.
- Nearly one-fifth (19%) of childcare experts claim they’ve seen children refuse food out of fear of becoming overweight.
The following are some of the report’s surprising findings:
- Moreover, half of young girls and one-third of young boys say their ideal weight is to be slimmer than they are.
- By the age of seven, one out of every four children had tried some form of dieting.
- Girls use social media to “make themselves look cooler,” according to 41% of them.
- Between the ages of 10 and 17, a stunning 87 percent of female characters on television are underweight.
Tips for Parents
Parents, friends, and peers, as well as the media, teach children about body image and help them develop worries about their looks. Parents can play an important role in instilling in their children a positive body image. Here are some pointers to remember:
-
Watch your words
Don’t use the words “I can’t eat this because it’ll make me fat” or ”I look so fat in this”. Your child is paying attention to you and taking notes subconsciously. Children aged 5 to 8 who believe their mothers are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to be unhappy with their own bodies. When you’re confident, your children will pick on it and become their better selves.
-
Try not to focus on appearance
Focus on more vital aspects of their personality, such as how nice or kind they are. Talk about how it’s great to have decent manners or working hard is a great quality to have. The more you talk about appearance, the more they’ll be drawn towards an idea of beauty.
-
Emphasize Healthy Eating and Exercise Over Their Weight
Spend active time with your family by playing outside, riding bikes, or going to the park. Allow youngsters to assist you in selecting healthy fruits and veggies for dinner. Read nutrition labels together when you go grocery shopping to teach them the importance of clean eating.
-
Limit Screen Time
Cutting back on screen time has been found in studies to lower the risk of obesity in children and even enhance their grades. Teach kids to recognize junk food advertisements, which are now following them across the internet, and to comprehend what they’re trying to promote, as well as why these items are terrible for their health.
We discuss many methods that parents can use to help their children develop a positive body image and self-esteem. Consult your doctor for information and referral if you’re concerned about your children’s body image, self-esteem, eating habits, or physical exercise habits.
