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Kids nowadays consume tons of information every single day through social media, television and other entertainment mediums. And it’s what they are watching online, can often dictate how they feel about their bodies. However, the sad reality is that those images flashing across the screen are mostly far from the truth for young students to model themselves after.

Therefore, to help our students learn how to develop body positivity, it’s important to purposefully and carefully teach them exactly how they can do so. Teachers with fair knowledge of student counselling techniques will find it quite easy to follow this.

We have discussed here three easy ways to teach today’s generation of students to appreciate themselves, just the way they are.

Practice Body Positivity Ourselves

It is a known fact that children learn from watching the adults in their lives. And one thing many of us adults are horrible at is our body image and self-talk. Be it parents or teachers, we must be conscious of any negative thoughts and actions related to our body image.

We are so hard on ourselves sometimes that it often becomes the norm to comment negatively about our appearances out loud, often in the presence of the kids. These critical statements do impact the young minds and they may be left wondering about their bodies or become equally critical of their developing bodies.

Hence, the first and foremost thing is to watch what you say. Alternatively, you can try to say something good about your body! It will teach body positivity to kids and give you a little confidence boost as well!

Teach Kids about the Whole Package

It is indeed great complimenting children on their appearance as a way to promote a confident self-image; but is also equally important to also praise other qualities, like how good they are at studies, their kindness, and other characteristic traits that make your child or student special.

The main point here is that children should be aware of the fact that they are more than their bodies.

All other aspects of their life along with their body make the whole package!

Listen to and Address Concerns about Body Positivity

If you happen to hear your student talk negatively about his/her body or any other person for that matter, don’t just stop them discussing it, but as a teacher, also try addressing the issue head-on by starting a conversation on the topic.

Let the child know gently, that you heard the negative comments, and tell them you are there to talk if they need an ear.

When the students will feel comfortable around you and understand that you are not there to chide them, it becomes easy for these young children to open up about how they are feeling or might ask anything that may come to their mind about their bodies.

As a teacher, you may ask a few questions (in a gentle tone) like the following:

• What makes you say that about yourself?
• Did someone say anything to make you feel like this?
• Can I help and give my suggestions?

Sometimes just listening to, can help your students feel better. At other times, you may need to show them the direction toward something positive about themselves.

Conclusion

These three important tips and of course many more will remind you to bring a change in your language, pay attention, and help embrace diversity. All in all, there is, indeed, no better way to teach kids about body positivity than modeling it yourself. Teachers who have pursued courses for child counseling are familiar with these ways and are better prepared to help the students feel confident about their bodies.