Negative Body Image

Homeschoolers are always accused of overprotecting our children or creating an anti-social generation.  I’m not going to get into that one today, but there is definitely something we should be protecting our children from – the negative body image problem that is so prevalent in our society. 

I know I have caught myself on numerous occasions saying, “Oh, look my thighs are getting bigger!”  or “Does my butt look fatter to you?”  I admit that my negative body image is something that I sinfully fret about on a daily basis.  I know it stems from growing up as the chubby child, later to the chubbiest cheerleader and then on to the overweight bride.  I worry too much about heading back to where I came from.  How many of you can relate to this?  I’m sure there are more than a couple of you. 

It doesn’t help that magazines, movies, television and Hollywood create an image of the perfect woman that is near impossible to maintain by the average mom or that society decided that it is the definition of beautiful.  Even after knowing how much they doctor up all those photos, we still secretly strive to be like those women.

I had a reality check a few months ago when I was hanging out with my teenage daughter.  She turned to look at me and said, “Mom, I need to start working out with you, I’m getting fat.”  I could have cried.  I was so upset with myself because I knew it was my negative body image that started this in my daughter.  My daughter lacks any bodyfat because she is extremely athletic.  She is muscular and very beautiful.  I was heartbroken. 

 

I could not let this go on.  We began a bible study together on true beauty.  It has helped us both.  I know I will continue to struggle with negative body image self talk, but there is no reason for my daughters to ever worry about it. 

Eating disorders are developing in girls from the early age of 5 or 6.  A recent study indicated that 70% of 6th grade girls worry about their weight.  I believe their worry stems from their parents who are preoccupied with their own poor body images. 

If you ever find yourself talking negatively about your body, stop yourself immediately and tell yourself, “I am beautiful inside and out.  God loves me just as I am.”

Never say the word “diet” around your children.  Ask friends not to discuss dieting or being fat around your children.  

Be an example by working out, but don’t complain about it or they will have a negative image of exercise.  Let them know that working out keeps you healthy, strong, full of energy and stamina so you can keep up with them.  Let them join you and make it fun.  Engaging in physical activity as a family can be a lot of fun and you should do it every day as part of a routine, such as taking nightly walks, going on a bike ride or roller blading.

Getting your children involved in sports will help them become self confident and improve their self esteem.

Prepare healthy meals so you can teach your children the importance of good nutrition.  Remember there are no “good” foods or “bad” foods.  Kids will gravitate to bad foods (like candy) if they think they are not supposed to eat them. 

Damaging behavior learned from a parent may take years to overcome, but I am in for the long haul.  It starts with you. 

I’d love to hear what you do to create a positive self image in your children.