Creating a positive self-image

When helping your child to build a positive self-image it can be good to encourage them to think about themselves is a positive way. Use the worksheet listed below to help your child think about:

• what they like
• what they are good at
• what is unique about them

Ask your child to think about these questions and answer them using cut outs from magazines, photos, printed pictures or drawings.

You can also draw an outline of your child and ask them to glue or draw pictures of things they are good at or like doing. Write your child’s name at the top of the page and hang the picture somewhere they can look at it and add to it as they grow and experience new things.

It is important to talk to your child about how every person’s body is different and that is a good thing. The world would be a boring place if we all looked, talked and acted in the same way! Rather than talking about what bodies look like, it can also be good to talk about the good things that different types of bodies can do. For example, tall people can reach things up high, whereas shorter people can more comfortably fit into smaller spaces like seats on a plane.

Focus on praising your child for what they are good at rather than how they look. This can include things like how they help others, their sense of humour, being tidy or school work. You can also provide positive feedback about what your child’s body can do like running fast, drawing well or swimming.

Parents and carers have a big influence on how their children see themselves and their bodies. It is important to role model body positivity for your child. You can do this by:

• openly talking about the parts of your body that you like
• talking about the amazing things that your body can do
• not commenting on other people’s bodies and how they look
• making healthy eating and exercise a normal part of your family’s life