Loving Eyes by Jenise Harmon

Feeling good about one’s body, no matter the size, begins in early childhood. Parents have much influence over how their children feel about their bodies. There are several things that you can do to help your children love their bodies.

Don’t use the word “diet.” Instead, talk about eating healthier.
Speak positively about your own body. Tell your kids how your legs are getting stronger and they help you run, or how you exercise because you want your body to be healthier.
Do not talk about your kids’ size or weight. Don’t mention that it looks like they’re gaining weight or looking a bit pudgy. Don’t tell them they can’t have dessert because they’re getting too big. Instead, talk about how their bodies allow them to jump high and kick a ball, how it’s important to give our bodies good food to help us be stronger and grow.
If you’re struggling with your weight, do not involve your children. Talk about your struggles with a friend or partner where your kids cannot hear.
Expose your kids to stories and pictures of strong women and men, regardless of their size.
Point out your kids’ many strengths that have nothing to do with looking cute or being pretty.

As parents, we have the responsibility to both model and teach our children how to have a positive body image, and it needs to begin when they’re young. It requires us to monitor our own sense of ourselves and deal with our insecurities, which can be uncomfortable. But the commitment to gaining a more positive sense of self can also be healing and empowering. It’s a gift to the next generation.
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