So what can
we do to help them have realistic expectations of their body
and to help them to love the body they have. We can start by
being a role model to our children. Many children that grow
up with eating disorders also have mothers with eating disorders,
weight struggles or see their mother always on a diet. Our children
are watching us. If you are always on a new diet or complaining
about how you look, they see that. Presenting a healthy body
image of your own is one way to help your children be happier
with their own bodies.
You can
help your child to have healthy habits that will not only
make their bodies healthier but it will also improve their
body image. Encourage your children to eat healthy snacks
and meals by limiting the amount of fast food they eat. Prepare
meals at home according to the food pyramid. Keep junk food
to a minimum. The best way to do this is to not buy it. If
children only have healthy options available this is what
they will eat.
Get physical
with your kids. Physically active children are less likely
to have weight problems. When they are younger just play with
them, games like tag, or soccer or just racing them. Anything
that gets their heart rate up is good. Make it a family priority
to get regular exercise. You can do this just by doing things
like taking a hike on the weekend or going to the lake for
a swim. As they get older, you can see if they are interested
in team sports, dance, weight training or whatever they might
be interested in.
If your
child does have a weight problem you don't want to make them
feel bad about it. Nagging or "trying to motivate"
them may contribute to their body image problems. What you
can do is talk to them about why they are eating. Are they
eating cause they are hungry or is it out of boredom or depression?
Help your child sort this out and come up with a plan to deal
with it. Try to let them come up with the plan. Talk to your
child about how she is feeling about her body. Help her to
find things she likes about herself and to be realistic in
her expectations. If she wants to make changes in her body
be supportive of her feelings and help her set realistic goals.
Lastly,
help your child find something that she can take pride in.
Encourage her to find something challenging that she can do
well at. Having a sense of accomplishment improves self-esteem
and in turn can improve body image.
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