5 Ways Parents of Preschoolers Can Raise a Body-Positive Kid

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Executive Editor of Parenting Content

How's this for a scary statistic: Studies show that kids as young as 5 say they don't like their bodies.

Common Sense Media's survey of body-image research -- Children, Teens, Media and Body Image -- reveals many more surprising facts, but it also shows evidence that parents play a huge role in shaping how kids think and feel about their bodies. Starting to bolster kids' body image early, even in preschool, can make a big difference in how kids feel about themselves as they grow up.

Here are five ways to immunize your kids against poor body image, with conversation starters, media picks and resources to support your discussions:

1. Avoid stereotypes in your kids' media -- starting when kids are in preschool. Look for TV, movies and other media that portray healthy body sizes and avoid sexualized or stereotypical story lines or gendered characters, such as young girls in makeup or boys who are always macho.

• Probe in an open-ended way for beliefs about gender and body types, and follow up with simple language to debunk stereotypes: "What do you think Andy would like for his birthday? Trucks? Do you think he'd like dolls, too?"

RESOURCES: Books That Promote a Healthy Body Image, 8 Girl-Power Apps for Young Kids, Positive Role Model TV for Girls, TV That's Good for Boys

2. Call out stereotypes when you see them. When you see gender stereotypes in media -- for example, during sporting events such as the Super Bowl -- talk about them.

• As much as possible, minimize exposure to stereotypical depictions of men and women, but when kids see them, demonstrate that questioning how men and women are portrayed is valuable (and even fun). Ask: "Do you think she's cold in that bikini?"

RESOURCES: What Are Boys Learning from the Super Bowl?, The Ugly Truth Behind Pretty Pictures

3. Challenge assumptions. Ask kids what they think about heavyset or slim toys or characters on TV and in movies. Keep an ear out for kids expressing assumptions about real people based on their body sizes.

• Remind kids that bodies come in all shapes and sizes -- even if they don't see that on TV -- and that variety is normal, healthy, and part of what makes life interesting.

RESOURCES: Children, Teens, Media, and Body Image Infographic

4. Ban "fat talk" in your family. Parents -- especially mothers -- who complain about their appearances or bodies, even casually, make a big impact on how kids think about their bodies.

Model a positive attitude toward your own body, and encourage kids to think positively about what their bodies can do. Ask: "What can you do with those strong arms?"

Discuss health instead of weight or size. Ask: "How does your body feel when you play sports/exercise/run around?" Say: "My body feels so energetic when I eat healthy food."

FACTS: According to Common Sense Media's Children, Teens, Media and Body Image, 5- to 8-year-old children's perceptions of their mothers' body dissatisfaction predicts their own body dissatisfaction. And girls whose fathers tended to express concern about the girls' weight judged themselves to be less physically able than those whose fathers didn't.

5. Focus on behavior, talents, and character traits instead of physical size or appearance. When discussing fictional characters, celebrities, and friends and family, talk about what they do, not what they look like.

• Talk about qualities such as kindness, curiosity, and perseverance that you value more than appearance. Ask: "What makes a good friend?" Say: "She must have practiced for a long time to be good at dancing!"

RESOURCES: Girls and Body Image Family Tip Sheet, Boys and Body Image Family Tip Sheet, Boys, Girls, and Media Messages

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Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to:www.commonsense.org.