As we reflect back, we remember just how hard the teenage years are! It must be even harder now for our teens going through a pandemic and the constant presence of social media. Your teen may not love their body and be extra critical of why they may not fit in or look like everyone else.  Promoting body positivity from a young age can help them navigate these feelings.

How can you promote a healthy body image at home?

1.     Focus your compliments not on what others or your child looks like, but on what they do and what their body is capable of doing.

2.     Focus on creating healthy habits at home that involve eating well, getting some physical activity and fresh air daily, nurturing their self-esteem, promoting self-care, and showing them they are perfect as they are.

3.     Remind them that while social media has its benefits, it does not portray reality. Content is curated to show perfect lives and celebrate successes, which is not how real life is all the time.

4.     Remember to be a good role model yourself and surround your child with other positive influences. Do not talk negatively abut your body in front of your child and show them that you too work on health every day!

5.     Be a listening ear when they have struggles with their body image, and offer support. Explain to them it is normal to sometimes be negative, but it is important to focus on the positives. Make sure they are not being bullied. Don’t hesitate to  talk to your doctor, encourage them to see a therapist, and keep the suicide hotline number on hand if needed.

Lastly, promoting body positivity applies to everyone - boys, girls, trans, and even you as parents. Do not forget to encourage positive self-image in all your children and practice it yourself.