You, Your Child, and the Issue of Body Image.

The media plays a big part in helping children form body image, but parents play an important role in teaching their children about the ideal body and having body satisfaction as well (Perryman, 2005). Brown & Ogden (2004) found that children express greater body dissatisfaction when their parents do, and they are more likely to develop unhealthy habits (such as eating disorders) if their parents are vocal about their own body dissatisfaction. Many other researchers have found that parents provide feedback to their children about their bodies and act as role models for determining body image. Parents can directly influence their children’s body images not just by what they do, but by what they say. Rogers and Chabrol (2009) found that verbal messages and active encouragement are more influential than modeling behavior alone.

Children are more likely to be sensitive toward direct comments, criticisms, or perceived attitudes about body weight and shape than when parents only model disordered or unhealthy attitudes (Brown & Ogden, 2004). For example, you can boost your child’s body image by modeling that you are comfortable in your own body, but it is even more effective to tell your child that she is beautiful just the way she is.
Refer to the community resources page for links to resources such as those at Women's Health, which target issues like specific approaches to nurture a healthy body image in your child, how to avoid perpetuating negative body image standards, and how and when to get help if you notice a problem.