In a society influenced by social media, we are constantly presented with images of idealized beauty and what it means (according to society) to be accepted based purely on physical, outward appearance.
For this reason, body positivity is a refreshing, empowering, and essential movement. Body positivity champions accepting and appreciating all body types, challenging the unrealistic standards perpetuated by media and societal norms.
Body positivity encourages men, women and children to love and respect their bodies regardless of shape, size, color or ability. This can be incredibly important for those recovering from eating disorders.
What is body positivity?
The concept of body positivity dates back to the 1960s when individuals with larger body sizes faced discrimination as a result of not conforming to unrealistic body size/shape.
In an effort to reduce the mindset that the ideal body is a thin one, the concept of body positivity emerged. It aims to not only accept but celebrate all sizes, appearances, and shapes.
Over the decades, the movement evolved, expanding its scope to include all forms of body diversity. By the early 2000s, social media platforms became instrumental in spreading body-positive messages, allowing individuals to share their stories and experiences and feel a sense of community and support.
At its heart, body positivity revolves around several fundamental principles:
- Self-love and acceptance: Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their skin. Body positivity encourages individuals to embrace their unique features rather than compromise their health in an attempt to fit into a narrow definition of beauty
- Challenging beauty standards: The movement calls for a critical examination of societal beauty standards and brings to attention the harmful effects of these standards, like low self-esteem, eating disorders and mental health issues. By challenging these norms, body positivity seeks to create a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of beauty
- Inclusivity: Body positivity recognizes the beauty in diversity and encourages the representation of all body types in media, fashion and advertising, ensuring that people of different sizes, shapes, colors, ages and abilities see themselves reflected and validated
- Health as the priority: This principle emphasizes that health and well-being are not determined solely by body size or appearance. It advocates for a holistic approach to health, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness rather than weight alone
Body positivity plays a key role in reversing the damaging mental effects for those struggling with disordered eating as a result of falling prey to the harmful, unrealistic standards of beauty.
How can I foster body positivity at home?
Parents who have a child battling/recovering from an eating disorder can play a unique role in their child’s recovery journey by promoting body positivity in the home.
This will help your child feel more comfortable in their own skin and can help prevent disordered eating habits from reoccurring in the future.
Be a model of positivity
As a parent, you know children are incredibly perceptive and often copy your behaviors and mannerisms and mimic your beliefs. Hence, modeling it yourself is one of the most effective ways to promote body positivity.
This includes:
- Speaking positively about your own body
- Avoiding self-criticism or negative comments about anyone’s appearance
- Refraining from making derogatory remarks about others’ bodies, as such behavior can inadvertently teach children to judge themselves and others based on physical appearance
- Steering the conversation from the negative self-talk and instead finding qualities to be grateful/optimistic about
Through your example, you can foster body positivity.
Encourage healthy relationships with food and exercise
Parents should emphasize the importance of nutrition and physical activity to benefit overall health rather than just a way to achieve a particular body shape or size.
Involving your kids in meal planning and preparation can be a fun and educational way to teach them about healthy eating habits and allow them to experience how good food benefits their bodies.
Similarly, encouraging physical activities that the child enjoys, rather than imposing rigorous exercise routines, can help them associate fitness with joy and well-being rather than obligation or punishment.
Teach them how body diversity is a good thing
Children need to understand that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. You can celebrate this diversity by exposing your children to various body types through books, movies and media that feature more diverse characters.
Conversations about how beauty standards vary across cultures and historical periods can also be helpful. By normalizing the diversity of bodies, you can help your kids appreciate their own uniqueness and that of others and avoid falling into the belief that looking one way is better/more acceptable.
Foster compassionate self-talk and support inner virtue over outer beauty
Children should be encouraged to value themselves and others for their inner qualities rather than outward appearances. You can help by praising the talents, kindness, intelligence and efforts of your child, thereby reinforcing the idea that self-worth is not tied to physical appearance.
Additionally, teaching children the importance of self-compassion — being kind to themselves in moments of failure or when faced with imperfections — can also build resilience and gentleness, helping to silence the voices
saying perfection is the only option.
For more eating disorder support
If you, your child or any loved one is battling an eating disorder or needs recovery support, contact Seeds of Hope by calling 610-644-6464 or fill out an online contact form to get in touch with a staff member today.
