Good Body Image

Have you ever noticed observed how that two year olds like to walk around in the nude with absolutely no sense of shame or self-consciousness? I often chased a streaking toddler down the hall to dress them in pajamas for bedtime when my children were smaller. I marveled at how at home they seemed to be in their skins and how naturally they seemed to accept themselves. The aim during this phase of a toddlers development is to reinforce those positive messages that she inherently believes about herself. Here are some ways to do help your child develop and maintain a good body image:

• The first and foremost thing you can do to help your child in this area is to foster a good body image yourself. Many children imitate the dissatisfaction they see in their parents and project the negative comments on their own bodies. Whether you are big large or small – learn to love yourself the way you want your child to love herself.
• Avoid stereotyping people. Research indicates that toddlers as young as three can hold the belief that thin people are goodare beautiful and fat people are not. bad. Make a point of modeling for your child that it is a persons character who that counts in the long run, not the outward appearance.
• At 2.75 years of age, your child is able to understand the concepts of the same and different. Teach your child from at an early age that being different does not meantranslate to being inferior. Model acceptance and kindness to people who look different while your child is with you.
• Tell your child frequently how special and unique she is. Give plenty of hugs and tickles to show that you like to be with her and tell her the thingswhat  you like about her from a physical standpoint. the way she looks. 

Dont be scared that all your positive remarks will lead to vanity! Instead it well will help her be self assured and confident in a time where girls receive increasingly confusing messages about their bodies from the media from a very tender age.