How can you help your child develop a healthy body image?

Concern about appearance and body image develops in childhood, usually around age 6. Under the influence of the media, but also of those around them, almost one in two children wants to lose weight or is too small, even before the age of 12.

Helping your child to accept himself as he is

Body image is an issue at any age. By helping your child to realize that each person is unique, you help him to accept the differences in himself but also in others. Do not hesitate to be a positive model for him and to develop his personal qualities such as his kindness, his sense of humor or his creativity.

If he is concerned about his appearance, be attentive and encourage him to confide in you or in a professional. To build his confidence, help him find physical activities that he likes for the fun of it, not for the looks of it.

Also, don’t forget to limit the use of screens, and in particular social networks and television, explaining to him that photos and videos are very often retouched and that certain characters are inventions.

Body image can be a problem

By worrying about the image they send back, some children may adopt behaviors to lose weight or gain muscle that cause short-term and long-term problems. Whether it is avoiding certain foods, skipping meals or doing more sport, the consequences on growth and puberty, but also nutritional deficiencies, diseases and eating disorders are not not negligible.

If you notice that your child withdraws into himself, denigrates his appearance, or often compares himself negatively to others, do not hesitate to consult a health professional such as a general practitioner, a psychologist or a child psychiatrist.

Find out more: “Mirror, mirror… I don’t like my body! The development of body image in children, adolescents and adults” by Nadia Gagnier, published by La presse.