09/07/2023
It’s back to school time, which for most triggers a range of emotions. 📚🧠One topic not commonly discussed is how to handle when your child makes negative comments about their bodies. Let’s face it – adolescence is hard! 🫨Kids’ bodies are rapidly changing and growing, and that can feel strange, embarrassing, and confusing. Back-to-school clothing shopping, trying out for athletics, emphasize on getting “bigger” as we get older are all examples of things that can heighten the feeling of self-consciousness. 3 months of summer break often leads to noticeable changes for themselves and for their peers. Oof!🫣
What are some things you can say when your child expresses anxiety over their bodies?
⭐️ All bodies are good bodies.
⭐️ Your body does lots of great things for you, like play the sports you love.
⭐️ Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s cool.
⭐️ People can eat the same way and exercise the same way but won’t look the same way.
⭐️ Everyone has things they don’t like about their bodies – you are not alone.
⭐️ Body fat is important to help you grow.
⭐️ Even if you don’t like something about your body, your body deserves your love and respect.
⭐️ Let’s focus on something you like about your body instead.
⭐️ Bodies are ever changing, rearranging! That can feel tough, but it is normal.
⭐️ Your friends don’t care what you look like – they like you for who you are.
⭐️ There is never a need to apologize for your body.
⭐️ Could you say that in a way that shows value towards your body?
⭐️ I love the things that make you uniquely you.
Most importantly, model positive self-talk about your own body. If this feels uncomfortable for you, you can empathize with how it must feel for your child!
Give it a try: What is something you love about your body?🥰🥰🥰
