key messages
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
celebrate differencesNo two children are the same. Children differ in their appearance, their body size and shape, their personality, their temperament, and their level of resilience, and this is OK. This resource will help guide you to celebrate these differences by appreciating diversity in others and teaching your child that it’s valuable for everybody to look different.
adapt the guidelinesGiven that each child is different, it’s likely that each child is
going to require slightly different parenting strategies. This doesn’t mean having one set of rules for one child and a different set for another, but it does mean taking into account the emotional and physical needs of each child, and how these might change as they grow and develop. The tips throughout the Parent Book are guidelines that provide recommendations for how best to promote a positive body image in your child. We recognise, however, that you may need to adapt and apply these guidelines to suit your family and your child. promote positive body image in all childrenDeveloping a positive body image is important for all children,
regardless of their body shape or size. Even if a child is not at their most healthy weight, having a positive attitude towards their body means they are more likely to have good self-esteem, engage in healthy behaviours, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the long-term. |
promoting positive body image is a processAlthough this resource has been developed for parents of young children aged 2 to 6 years, promoting a positive body image is a process to be continued throughout a child’s life. It’s important to instill positive attitudes and behaviours about the body and eating in your child from now, and as your child grows. It’s also never too late to start.
invest for a confident futureWe encourage you to see these recommendations not as
short-term strategies but rather as ways of setting strong foundations and a sound investment in your child’s lifelong body attitudes and behaviours. |