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COUNSELOR’S CORNER with Ms. Patty:

Developing a Healthy Body Image

Recently I have been talking with students about body image or the way a person views their own body and how attractive they believe they are.  Children form opinions of their bodies at a very young age.  Some research indicates children as young as 3 can have a negative view of their bodies.  In today’s world, it is difficult to shield anyone from the “ideal” (and typically photoshopped or filtered) images of beauty.  So what can you do to support your child in developing a healthy body image?

• Demonstrate that exercising develops a strong healthy body for a lifetime, not to lose weight.
• Show that the primary purpose of a healthy body is to be a vessel for an active life, not to be viewed as attractive or unattractive.
• Praise your child for who they are and the qualities they demonstrate as an individual, not for how they measure up to societal beliefs about external beauty.
• Provide healthy meals.  Let them know that eating healthy is important, not dieting.
• Give your child a choice regarding their meals.  Children need to learn how to plan a balanced meal.  
• At meal time, allow your child to determine when they have satisfied their hunger.  A clean plate is not always a measure of healthy eating.
• Listen to how your child speaks about their bodies.  If you hear them making negative comments, don’t blow it off.  Talk to them about their perceptions and learn what is influencing their thoughts.  Reframe the conversation to focus on the body’s abilities, not just its looks.

Starting a conversation with your child about their perceptions of beauty and body image can open a larger conversation about value, worth and self esteem.

Ms. Patty is available to ISY families for support regarding body image or other concerns.  Please contact her at escounselor@isyedu.org

Patty Amundson-Geisel

Pre-K to Grade 6 Counselor