All Bodies Are Good Bodies: How to Reduce the Impact of Weight Stigma on Kids
Weight stigma affects all of us, including young children who can experience this in the form of name-calling, cyberbullying, and physical harm. To support kids, parents first need to address their own biases about weight and body size, then speak positively about food to help children develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Normalize body diversity by discussing and accepting all body types. Encourage open conversations about body image to build confidence and self-worth in children. Promoting these practices can help children develop a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.
Excerpt from Chrissy King:
Weight stigma, which refers to an individual or group of individuals being discriminated against for having a larger body, shows up for kids even in their early school years. This can take the form of name calling, cyberbullying, and physical harm. While it may be nearly impossible to protect kids from experiencing the harsh realities of anti-fat bias in the world, we can do our best to support them if it does occur and also help them feel confident and worthy, while creating a peaceful relationship with food.
With that in mind, here are four tips to help kids navigate anti-fat bias and weight stigma.