How to Raise Kids with a Healthy Body Image

Kids don’t develop their body image in a vacuum—it’s shaped by the messages they hear, the way they see you interact with your own body and the culture around them. To raise kids with a healthy body image, it’s important to go beyond just telling them they’re beautiful. A strong, positive body image isn’t just about feeling confident in how you look—it’s about feeling at home in your body, trusting it, and knowing that your worth isn’t tied to appearance.

Helping children develop this kind of relationship with their bodies requires fostering a sense of respect, self-trust, and resilience against the unrealistic and often harmful standards they’ll inevitably encounter.

Why Body Image Starts Early

Research shows that children begin forming ideas about body size and attractiveness as early as three years old. By elementary school, many kids already associate certain body types with being "good" or "bad" and may start expressing dissatisfaction with their own bodies. Studies have linked early body dissatisfaction to an increased risk of disordered eating, anxiety, and lower self-esteem later in life.

But it’s not just about preventing harm—it’s about giving kids the tools to build a healthy, compassionate relationship with themselves.

Ways to Support a Positive Body Image

Model a Healthy Relationship with Your Own Body

• Kids learn more from what they see than what they’re told. If they hear you criticize your weight, obsess over dieting, or comment negatively on other people’s bodies, they’ll absorb those messages.

• Instead of focusing on appearance, model appreciation for what your body does. Saying things like, “I love how strong my legs are for carrying me through the day” teaches them to value function over looks.

  
  

Diversify the Media They Consume

• Representation matters. Kids should see a variety of body shapes, sizes, and abilities in the books they read, shows they watch, and toys they play with.

• Talk about unrealistic images in media. Teach them to recognize filters, editing, and the way beauty standards are constructed, so they don’t compare themselves to something unattainable.

  
  

Shift the Focus Away from Appearance

• Instead of complimenting how they look, praise things like their creativity, kindness, or determination.

• When they talk about their bodies, encourage a focus on function: “Your arms are so strong! They help you climb and play.”

  
  

Be Careful with Food and Exercise Language

• Kids should see food as nourishment, not something to fear. Avoid labelling foods as "good" or "bad"—instead, talk about balance and how different foods help our bodies in different ways.

• Exercise should be about joy and movement, not burning calories. Encourage play, sports, and movement in a way that feels fun rather than obligatory.

  
  

Encourage Body Autonomy

• Teach kids that they have control over their own bodies. This means respecting when they don’t want to give hugs, letting them decide what clothes feel comfortable, and making sure they know their body belongs to them.

• Body trust is foundational for a healthy body image. The more kids feel safe and respected in their bodies, the less likely they are to feel disconnected or dissatisfied with them.

What to Do When They Struggle

Even with the best foundation, kids will still be exposed to negative body messages. If your child expresses concerns about their body, avoid immediately dismissing their feelings with, “That’s not true, you’re beautiful.” Instead, validate their emotions:

• “I hear that you’re feeling this way. Where do you think that thought came from?”

• “Our bodies change all the time, and they’re meant to be different. What do you think your body does really well?”

If body image struggles start to affect their self-esteem, mood, or eating behaviours, seeking support from a professional can help.

Final Thoughts

To raise kids with a healthy body image, it’s important to remember that a healthy body image isn’t about loving how you look every day—it’s about feeling at home in your body and knowing your worth isn’t tied to appearance. The way you talk about bodies, food, and self-worth will help shape how your child sees themselves for years to come.

If you’re looking for support in fostering a healthier body image in your child or yourself, reach out for a free consultation. A compassionate, body-affirming approach can make all the difference.