Even though you think that body image may not be useful to you, it is an excellent issue for children today. It has a significant impact on various factors. Body image may not be a concern for you; it is one of the top three issues of personal concern for the country’s youth.
Although we may think that body image is a problem of the adults as well as growing up teens, we need to ask ourselves where it all begins. The issue of body image does not show up just like that; it occurs gradually. The body image of many children should not have been like that.
Statistics show that 37% of three-year-old children would have loved to have a different body size. These statistics show that 37 % of three-year-olds are not happy with the way they look.
Below are the four biggest things that influence a child’s body image:
Behaviour of parents
Parents need to watch their reactions. Children will notice their parents behaviour without a doubt. Even little things such as applying make-up, looking in the mirror more often than necessary and standing on the scales are enough to make children conscious of their appearance.
When you like to watch your weight (whether positive or negative), you need to do this when your children are not around. It will prevent you from drawing their attention to body image.
Advertising and the media
Media and advertising are one of the greatest things we can cast our blame on. What most children do with the media nowadays go a long way in affecting their body image. They always feel the need to look like pop stars and actors and slender Instagram blogger.
The Internet changes this much since 60% of 5 to 8-year-olds now make use of the internet. In this way, access to the internet does not help this situation. As parents, you need to monitor your children from using the internet to view potentially harmful contents.
Being too concerned about others
Nowadays, people are worried about comparing themselves to others. If you are used to comparing your body to that of others, you will feel worse about yourself.
Parents must be aware of negative messages, and they should try to avoid making comparisons with others based on your body image. Parents should encourage their children to take the fact that everyone looks different. They should not compare themselves to others.
Statements we say with good intentions
Children are not always rewarded for remembering statements that adults say. They also ask several questions from the adults about the best way to promote a healthy body image.
Children can interpret and process the statements made by adults with good intentions to improve their appearance. Children can ask you why some people are fatter than others; you don’t have to blame it on diverse food choices. Also, if your children see you exercising your body, you don’t have to tell them you are doing it not to get fat. In this case, you can say to them that exercising your body makes you feel healthy and good.
