Teaching toddlers about body positivity and self love

As parents, it's our responsibility to provide a safe and positive environment for our children where they can grow and develop their sense of self. One crucial aspect is helping them develop a healthy relationship with their body and learning to love and appreciate themselves just the way they are. Body positivity awareness is essential for overall well-being, and it’s never too early to teach kids about it. 

Why is it important to teach body positivity to toddlers? 

Beginning at a young age, children are developing self-esteem, and negative messages about their bodies can have long-lasting effects on their mental and emotional health. By teaching them to love and appreciate their bodies, we can help them avoid potential body image issues and promote a healthy relationship with their bodies that will serve them well into adulthood. Emphasize the importance of body positivity, nourishing our bodies with a balanced diet and active lifestyle, and most importantly, encourage your child to focus on feeling good and strong rather than how their body appears. Teach them that their intelligence, kindness, and creativity are far more important than the size or shape of their body. 

Be a role model 

Children are like sponges and absorb everything. Lead by example and be mindful of the messages you’re sending about your own body. Avoid speaking negatively about your body or anyone else’s and instead focus on positive messages emphasizing health, confidence, and self-care. When you talk poorly about yourself, it shows them that criticizing themselves is okay when it can just harm them. 

Promote healthy habits and active lifestyle 

Promote healthy habits and encourage healthy eating and physical activity. Find an activity your child enjoys, from biking, dancing, or team sports. Developing an active lifestyle and moving around not only helps kids stay in shape but also helps them mentally. They will build relationships and teamwork skills, plus improve their self-esteem. 

In addition to physical activity, it’s important to focus on fueling the body with wholesome foods. When trying to maintain nutrition, cooking together as a family and involving your child in meal preparation can be a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits. Emphasize how good their body feels when they take care of it, rather than just focusing on appearance. By instilling these habits early on, you can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy living. 

Teach toddlers about their body

Starting to teach your children about their body parts is an essential step in their development, and there's no specific age that's considered "right." By pointing to different parts of their body and giving them names, you'll help your child learn new words and build an understanding of their own body. It’s important to emphasize that our bodies undergo constant changes, which is a natural aspect of life. Establishing this foundation can significantly contribute to their language development and overall body awareness. 

Celebrate diversity

Teach your child that all bodies are unique and beautiful in their way. Show them pictures and books that feature a wide range of body types and skin colors, and explain that everyone is different, and that’s why the world is so special. Our favorites include "All Bodies Are Good Bodies" by Charlotte Barkla, "Bodies are Cool" by Tyler Feder, and "What I Like About Me" by Allia Zobel Nolan.

Teaching toddlers about body positivity is a significant aspect of helping them grow into confident and self-assured individuals. By focusing on inner qualities, promoting healthy habits, and avoiding negative body talk, you can help your child develop a positive relationship with their body.

At Doona, we're committed to assisting parents every step of the way, providing guidance and support throughout their journey. Our Liki Trike is not only designed to promote independence, but it's also a fun and active way for toddlers to explore and interact with their surroundings. With 5 modes, it's perfect for encouraging little ones to develop a sense of confidence and ease in their daily adventures.