"I look fat." "My butt is too big." "My arms look jiggly." How often do you find yourself complaining about your physical flaws in front of your children? Unless the answer is never, it's one too many times. {relatedarticles}By showing that you have a lack of self love to your children, you may be creating a monster. Having a negative body image is one of the traits you don't want to pass on to your children, especially because it can contribute to eating disorders, depression, weight obsession, poor self-esteem and a whole host of other issues. One recent study revealed that as much as 42 percent of children between first and third grade wanted to lose weight, and as much as 80 percent fear becoming overweight. It's your job to promote a healthy body image in your children. Lead by example.
Show your children you take pride in your body. Don't complain about aspects of your physique that concern you. Try to avoid making any derogatory statements about food, weight or body size. When you express concerns about specific foods or drinks, do it on the basis that they are not healthy.{relatedarticles} Avoid descriptions such as "fattening" or "fat." Encourage your child to engage in physical activity for health purposes. Make sure your child realizes that trying to look like a supermodel is not a realistic goal - beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Help your children understand that their bodies are ever-changing and some periods are just a phase. Do not point out other people's weight issues. In fact, always try to take the focus away from weight and put it on overall wellness.