This Eating Disorders Awareness Week I got the amazing opportunity to interview published author Anupa Ropa to ask her about body image and her new book, ‘Sparrowlegs’.
Anupa Roper lives in Leicestershire with her husband and 2 children (Maya, 11 and Ayden,10). She allowed her label of ‘skinny’ to affect her choices and her feeling of worth for a long time. Now she wants to empower the young by helping them to feel happy in their own skin. She would love for the generations that follow to know that they are worthy just the way they are. Follow her journey @miss_sparrowlegs on Instagram.
Anupa has also published her debut book ‘Sparrowlegs’ about a sparrow who learns to love the feathers she is in and realises how amazing her body is. This book is aimed at 3- to 7-year-olds and available on Amazon.
Let’s talk about Body Image.
What is body image?
Body image is what children think and how they feel about their body. It includes the picture in their mind that they have of their body and this may or may not match their body’s actual shape and size. In children’s minds, there will be aspects of their body that they like and some that they dislike.
Children as young as 4 can have body image issues and it can affect both boys and girls.
Why is having a positive body image important?
When children have a positive and healthy body image, they feel happy with their bodies. They accept the way that they look, and they feel comfortable in their own skin. The problem with children having a negative or unhealthy body image is that they can feel unhappy with their body. Children may think that the shape, size, or appearance of their body needs to change.
It is important for children to have a healthy body image. When they feel good about their body, they are more likely to have better self-esteem (which means the opinion that they have of themselves) and mental health (which is the way that they feel in their minds) Children will also be more balanced in their attitude towards eating and physical activity.
What can affect body image?
Children’s body image can be affected by numerous things including:
- Parents and carers (who can play a critical role). How we talk about our own bodies, the comments we make about our children’s or other bodies can all help to form our children’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions. It can also be our body language (frowning when we look in the mirror etc)
- The attitudes of their friends and peers. How important appearance is to them. How they talk about bodies. Children will often be influenced by those directly around them.
- Media. It is difficult to escape the ‘perfect body’ ideals promoted on the television, in magazines, on the internet and on social media.
How can we support our children to have a better body image?
- Talk about your body nicely. Use positive language. It’s okay if we struggle ourselves with body image if we remain neutral when we talk about our bodies.
- Focus on what yours and your children’s bodies can DO. Show them that bodies are so much more than what we look like on the outside. Your body is there for you when you hug someone, when you talk, when you eat. We must be grateful for the amazing things that our body can do.
- Encourage your children to eat healthy foods but to know that it is okay to also eat the foods we should have less often. Help them to understand that eating nourishing food not only gives you the energy you need but it makes you feel good inside.
- Encourage your children to be active. Your body needs to move to be strong, fit, and healthy. Pick activities they will like. Enjoy the fun you can have together. Yoga is perfect!
- If your children are older make sure you are aware of what they are viewing through their social media. Encourage them to follow accounts that make them feel good (that goes for us too!)
How should I talk to my child about body image?
If you hear your child make comments about their body, talk to them about it and ask questions. That will start conversations around body image, where their opinion comes from and overcoming it. Also, when watching television or reading books discuss what you see (relative to age). My book for age 3 to 7 is a great way to kick start conversation.
Finally, let’s remind our children that they are all beautiful, they are all worthy, they are all more than enough – just the way they are.
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