Moms, Are you Feeding Your Children Their Body Image?

I don't want to pick on you mom's because it seems that no matter what happens with our children it comes back to us (usually if it is something positive dad takes the credit).

But, however, this is important and you do have the key to help your child develop a good body image. The literature supports that moms who diet all the time or are chronic dieters have daughters who begin dieting very early (this may begin at age 8 or 9). In some cases this leads to eating disorders and other absurd relationships with food for these young girls. Although boys do develop eating disorders it is not as common so our focus is mostly on girls.

Why does this happen? What we do know is that children look up to their parents for guidance and eating habits are a common behavior to emulate. When they are small they want to act grown up so they practice the behaviors the "Important People" in their life exhibit.

Unfortunately children form "tapes" in their mind of things you say to them when they are small. Such as "Don't eat that it will make you fat". Or, "If you eat that ice cream you will be as fat as Hilda". These are examples of "tapes" that I hear from patients all of the time and it has lead them down a road of "body hate". Many adult women hold a deep belief that because they don't look like Pamela Anderson they aren't desirable. We know as adults this isn't true, but body image isn't realistic and always truthful.

How can you help prevent these "negative tapes" in your children?

Here are a few suggestions

1. Say no to diet! Instead talk "Life Style". Your life-style includes making time for exercise with your child and engaging in healthy activities. You can eat at the park and pack a picnic instead of getting fast food. You can go for a morning or evening stroll and tell each other three things you have planned for the day. You eat a little bit of foods not as nutritious and more of healthy foods. Your child learns by watching and being with you.

2. Teach your child that it isn't about good or bad food. A simple way of doing this is to stop buying food that is full of preservatives. Cook with your child. Tell them how each ingredient is good for your body. If you don't know what each food contributes make it a chore for your child to google each ingredient and they can teach you. Be creative...you are raising the next generation!

3. Speak positively about your own body...ALWAYS. Please never ever refer to your thighs as being anything but strong. Your child will learn to value their body by watching and hearing you value yours.

4. Your focus should never be on weight or calories. Your child should see their weight and height in the same way they learn about their blood pressure and sugar levels. They are measurements to understand how healthy you are period. Your weight is never a measure of your self worth.

5. Lastly, you may see that by beginning these suggestions the whole family will become healthier. Maybe you do beat yourself up in front of your child. Maybe you do call yourself fat, lazy, or worse. If you can change one thing today start speaking well about yourself to yourself and your children.

All love starts within each of us....Blessings

MJO