How to Promote Body Positivity in Kids
How to Encourage Your Kid to Have a Good Relationship With Food and Their Body
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Children learn by observing, so Cadillac said it's so important for us as parents to model healthy relationships with food, our bodies, and exercise. Black agreed and said, "Kids not only pick up on what we say but also what we do." Have your children see you exercise, not to burn calories or lose weight, but to be healthy and strong. Participate in exercise with them, try a Cosmic Kids Yoga class on YouTube, or go for a family hike or bike ride.
Try not to teach your kids that foods are "good" or "bad," Cadillac said. If you want to promote things like fruits or vegetables, say things like, "Carrots help our eyes to see," so they learn about how food can nourish their body. If you teach children that certain foods are bad, they'll think that they are bad for eating that food. "This thought process easily carries into adulthood and can become quite destructive," she added.
Also avoid making any foods completely restricted (unless it's for health reasons, such as allergies). Cadillac said the more off-limits we make something, the more we want it. By telling your children they can't have a certain food, it just makes them want it more. They might start to sneak food or get it at school when you aren't around. As a parent, it's your job to provide variety for your child, and if we try to manipulate our child's eating, it robs them of valuable life experiences.
Instead of good and bad foods, teach your kids about true hunger and fullness, Black said. Ask them if their tummy is growling, if they're low on energy, or if they're "hangry," and share that you're familiar with all of those feelings. Help them notice that they feel better eating certain foods over others. Have your child see you eat salad, or a burrito, or brownies, showing that all foods fit into a balanced diet.
"If we eat intuitively, and engage in movement we enjoy, our kids will pick up on that," Cadillac said. Take pride in being a positive role model for your children so they can enjoy a life filled with celebrating their bodies, loving food, and appreciating joyful movement.