Nutrition Nuggets -- September

Liking Your Body

Question: My daughter is only in elementary school, but she's already worrying about what her body looks like. How can I help her feel good about herself?

Answer: Children can be sensitive about their bodies from an early age, so you are smart to pay attention to this now. Try to help her focus on healthy eating and being active, rather than on how she looks. For example, you might compliment her for making a good food choice or for playing hopscotch rather than watching TV. Also, you could encourage her to join a sports team. Girls who play sports tend to feel better about their bodies and have greater self-esteem.

Make sure your daughter realizes that gaining weight is a normal part of growing up. Discourage her from weighing herself too often or making negative comments about her own body or other people's. Instead, point out that there isn't one "ideal" body size or shape--the important thing is to be healthy.