According to recent reports, the girl who passed the UP Board 10th exam made her family proud by doing exceptionally well academically. However, she was quickly the focus of ridicule on social media due to her “facial hair”. This fires up the debate around body positivity and how it is crucial for fostering a healthy relationship with one’s body, especially during childhood and adolescence. Here are five tips to help your child stay body-positive:
Affirmations from a young age
Encourage your child to use affirmations like “My body is beautiful” from a young age. Practice saying these affirmations while looking at themselves in the mirror to instil a positive self-image.
Acceptance of natural changes
Teach your child to accept body hair, pigmentation, skin tones, body tanning, and other natural changes occurring in their body. Encourage them to affirm, “My body welcomes only love, care, and nourishment.”
Avoid comparisons
According to Pinal Sawansukha, counselling psychologist, Coto, “Parents should never pressure their child to look better by comparing them with their peers. Comparisons can lead to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.”
Diverse representation
Avoid comparing your child’s body to those on social media or celebrity figures. Instead, celebrate the diversity in body shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and identities. Introduce your child to various role models and representations of beauty to expand their outlook and lessen comparisons.
Focus on overall health
Shift the focus from appearance to overall health and well-being. Promote balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits to support your child’s physical and mental well-being.
The takeaway
It’s essential to address how peer pressure, bullying, and body shaming can affect self-esteem and mental health. One may connect with mental health experts, image coaches, nutritionists to address their concerns. Through consultations and open discussions, individuals can exchange ideas about the challenges they face and receive support in cultivating a positive body image and mindset. By implementing these tips and fostering open communication, parents can help their children develop resilience and confidence in their bodies.
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