As a mom, a nutritionist and a yoga enthusiast, I have not only studied the effects of BMI on mental health, but I have also experienced it first-hand.
Growing up I struggled with low self-esteem and body image issues, especially because I didn’t meet the narrow beauty standards that were often portrayed in the media.
Society often equates beauty with being thin or having certain body shapes, I internalized these expectations for years. It’s only through understanding the deeper connection between nutrition, self-love and mental health that I have learned to appreciate my body for what it does, rather than how it looks.
Now, I teach my children that beauty is health, confidence and how we feel about ourselves.
Here are some strategies parents can use to help children embrace body diversity.
- Be mindful of language: avoid negative comments about your own body.
- Praise non-appearance traits: complement others on their qualities that are not related to appearance.
- Tech media literacy- Explain children that images in magazines and ads are edited.
- Show gratitude to your own body: Show your child that you appreciate and take care of your own body, like eating nutritious food and staying active.
- Peer encouragement: Help kids recognize if their friends are struggling with body image.
- Teach Your Child How to respond to bullying-Equip your child with strategies to handle bullying calmly and confidently. The mighty instrument- Ignore or walk away: Teach them that bullies often seek a reaction. Walking away confidently can reduce the bully’s power. Help Your Child Build Resilience- Boost their self-esteem: Encourage hobbies, sports, or creative activities that make them feel capable and confident.
Body image isn’t the only challenge your child might be facing—there could be deeper struggles affecting their self-esteem. Take the time to truly see them, understand their feelings, and recognize their strengths. Help them build confidence by nurturing their talents, celebrating their efforts, and reminding them of their worth beyond appearance. With your support, they can grow into confident, resilient, and happy individuals, ready to embrace their uniqueness.
