Parents,

teasing kids and the media can all affect how a child feels. And self-confidence helps children in school.

To help your child develop a positive body image:

• Accept your child’s body size. Don’t try to change it to meet your expectations of how your child should look.

• Accept diversity of all body types. Remind your child that everyone is born a different shape and size.

• Talk about unrealistic advertising. Explain how computer imaging is used to make models look “perfect” in photos.

• Make clear rules about “body teasing.” Don’t allow mocking people about how they look.

• Avoid comments on body shape or weight—especially your child’s.

• Coach your child on how to change the subject when there’s diet talk or body put downs.

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