5 ways to promote body positivity in your kids

The fight against body image issues has been going on for a long time now. While many have broken the shackles of stereotypical beauty standards, there are some who are still struggling to eradicate the same and are victims of heightened anxiety and even depression.

While much of the social conditioning begins at home and with toddlers, it is of utmost importance that we start educating our kids about positive body awareness and confidence at an early age - may be even before they start going to school. That said, here are 5 ways you can promote body positivity in your kids.

One of the most important things to remember is to start early. Most parents believe that their kids are too young to understand the intricacies of body image. But truth be told, they are with whom the parents should begin. Young children and preschoolers are innocent souls who are easily influenced by the things they see around them. Therefore, instead of waiting for the right moment, expose them to ideas and surroundings that are diverse and teach them how all bodies are beautiful and that health is the most important before everything else.

If you're wondering where to start from, then begin by teaching them about their body. Name the different parts of their bodies for them and help them identify each one of them - hands, legs, toes, eyes, ears and so on. As they become a bit older, you can also name the body parts and ask them to locate it for you. Besides you can also tell them the functions of each body part and how each of them help them perform different activities. This way they start appreciating their bodies.

When it comes to body positivity, health should be the primary concern for everyone rather than one's weight. That said, children should not be scoffed at about the weight, instead they should be encouraged to maintain a healthy body, which could include treating obesity. As we start judging kids on the basis of their weight, they grow up prioritizing looking lean and slim rather than focusing on growing healthier.

The most important lesson you can teach your kid is to respect all shapes and sizes. Body positivity is all about self-love and confidence, which is only possible if we learn to acknowledge different bodies and appearances. From a young age, children should be exposed to a friendly environment, where no one is judged for how they look. To facilitate that, clear their misconceptions about the unrealistic beauty standards celebrated in the society. Do not tell them otherwise, but help them see how everyone is wonderful in their own ways.

As a parent, what you can do is be a good role model. Until and unless, you believe in yourself and are positive about how you look, your child will fail to appreciate the same. Therefore, be confident and also display it in your actions and words in front of your kids.