Common Sense Media's survey of body-image research shows that parents play a huge role in shaping how kids think and feel about their bodies. Starting to bolster kids' body image early, even in preschool, can make a big difference in how kids feel about themselves as they grow up. Here are five ways to immunize your kids against poor body image, including conversation starters, media picks, and resources to support your discussions.
Be aware of media stereotypes, starting in preschool
Look for TV shows, movies, and other media that portray healthy body sizes and avoid sexualized or stereotypical story lines or gendered characters, such as young girls in makeup or boys who are always macho. Pay attention to kids' ideas about gender and body types, and use simple language to debunk stereotypes: "What do you think Andy would like for his birthday?
Trucks? Do you think he'd like dolls, too?" Whenever possible, use
gender-neutral or gender-diverse pronouns to reference characters, animals, and so on. For example, not every dinosaur is a "he" and every kitten a "she."
Call out stereotypes when you see them
When you see gender stereotypes in media – during sporting events such as the Super Bowl, for example – talk about them. As much as possible, minimize exposure to stereotypical depictions of men and women, but when kids see them, demonstrate that questioning how men and women are portrayed is valuable (and even fun). Ask: "Do you think she's cold in that bikini?" Teach kids how magazine and advertising photos are changed by computers to make skin look smoother or people look taller. Make a game out of it: Spot the Photoshop!
Challenge assumptions
Ask kids what they think about heavyset or slim toys and characters on TV and in movies. Keep an ear out for kids expressing assumptions about real people based on their body sizes. Remind kids that bodies come in all shapes and sizes (even
Barbie now offers size and ethnic variety!) and that these differences are normal, healthy, and part of what makes life interesting. Tap into preschoolers' ability to empathize by asking how they think a TV character felt when criticized for his or her appearance. Ask: "How would you feel if someone teased you like that?"
Ban "fat talk" in your family
Parents – especially mothers – who complain about their appearances or bodies, even casually, make a big impact on how their kids think about their bodies. Model a caring attitude toward your own body, and encourage kids to think positively about what their bodies can do. Ask: "What can you do with those strong arms?" Discuss health instead of weight or size. Ask: "How does your body feel when you play sports/exercise/run around?" Say: "My body feels so energetic when I eat healthy food." FACTS: According to Common Sense Media's "Children, Teens, Media, and Body Image", kids who think their moms don't like their bodies end up not liking their own bodies. Girls whose dads are critical of their weight tend to think of themselves as less physically able than those whose dads don't.
Focus on behavior, talents, and character traits instead of appearance
When discussing fictional characters, celebrities, friends, and family, talk about what they do, not what they look like. Talk about qualities such as kindness,
curiosity, and perseverance that you value more than appearance. Ask: "What makes a good friend?" Say: "She must have practiced for a long time to be good at dancing!" Prepare kids for when they hear others commenting, comparing, or criticizing bodies or appearance. Role-play situations where kids can try out different responses, such as, "I don't care what she looks like. She's friendly, and that's what matters to me."
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