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AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
FEBRUARY 26 MARCH 3, 2020
THE CAMP&
SCHOOL
23A
ZONE
Raising Body-Positive Children BY GRAZIELLA SIMONETTI
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
C
hildren as young as 5 years old report not liking their bodies. According to Common Sense Media, by age seven, one in four children will have tried some form of dieting behavior. Eating disorder hospitalizations for children under 12 have spiked 112 percent between the years 1999 and 2006. Parents play an important role in impacting how children feel about their bodies. Here are some tips:
FOOD TALK: Using judgmental words such as “good” or “bad” about food can create anxiety around eating and can lead to complicated relationships with food. One may identify as being “bad” when eating “bad food.” When we judge the food,we judge the eater of the food. Terms such as “sometimes food” and “any-time food” remove the shame connected to food while also encouraging self-regulation. Highlight how nutrients in food can lead to good health, such as
how eating nuts can help build brains or how eating carrots can help protect eyes. COMBAT STEREOTYPES: Media can strongly influence body image. Avoid shows and movies that have highly sexualized or stereotypical storylines. Pay attention to body portrayals. Even shows and toys that are targeted towards toddlers and preschoolers can have messages about gender and body
see POSITIVITY on page 25A
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