Body Image

Body image is how we think and feel about our bodies. It can include negative and positive thoughts, feelings, and impact how we behave towards ourselves. We can support our children and teens to develop and maintain a more positive relationship with their bodies.

Why is body image important?

Acceptance and appreciation of our bodies can lead to:

Better moods and self esteem
More engagement in school and sports
More confidence listening to our bodies

Negative thoughts and feelings towards bodies can lead to:

Preoccupation with body weight, food and eating
Negatively affect self-esteem, mental health and physical health

Supporting Your Child and Teen

Appreciate that bodies naturally come in all shapes and sizes.
Celebrate what is unique and wonderful about your child, not just their appearance.
Model positive feelings about your own body and challenge negative thoughts.
Teach your child that it is not okay to shame someone for their body or appearance.
Learn how to care for their bodies without focusing on weight, shape or size. Be sensitive that advice about nutrition and eating habits can have unintended impacts on children.
Support your child to get and stay involved in activities they enjoy. Hobbies, physical activity and social connection are important for everyone.
Seek support from family, friends and professionals if needed.

Our children and teens can be negatively affected by “appearance ideals”, which are standards society promotes as the ‘best way’ to look.

Advertising, media and social media can teach us to judge our own and others’ bodies and appearance. Encourage children and teens to question stereotypes and pressures to look or act a certain way.

Learn More

10 tips to help your child have a positive relationship with food and their body | Ontario Dietitians in Public Health
Tips for helping you help your child develop and maintain a positive relationship with food and their body.

Body image and gender representation | Cyber Safe Care
Tips for parents and caregivers to discuss what we see in the media influences how we view ourselves.

How to talk to teens about food | Ontario Dietitians in Public Health
Tips and strategies to help support your teen to have a positive relationship with food.

NEDIC | National Eating Disorders Information Centre
Support chat and helpline to help if you or your child is struggling with food or weight preoccupation.

If you are concerned about your child or teen’s preoccupation with food, eating or weight, get professional support. Talk to your primary care provider, ask for a referral for mental health or nutrition support, or contact the local eating disorder outreach programs: