Diet Culture: Response to Children

Diet culture is a dangerous part of society not only for adults, but also for children who see its messages plastered over tv screens, grocery stores, and worst of all their own schools. Whether you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, nanny, babysitter there are ways to combat these messages sent to children.

 Reaffirming the child with positive affirmations, telling them how valuable they are. Maria Paredes a counselor suggests using affirmations such as “Your body is just what it’s supposed to be and I’m so glad for that.” Reminding the child, they are valuable assets to yours and others lives no matter size gives them the reassurance they need to be positive about their bodies themselves.

         Explain to the child that no matter what someone tells them, they make the decisions about their body and they respect that body and listen to it telling them they are hungry and full, not what others and the TV tells them. This teaches intuitive eating from a young age and how not to restrict or place rules around eating. This helps a child become more aware and less likely to develop an eating disorder down the line.

      Talk about body positivity and diversity. By talking about how all bodies are good bodies, to respect and love the body they have been given, to not manipulate their body no matter shape or size. 

Children need to learn and understand that bodies are ever changing throughout our lives. Talking and explaining this to children has many benefits including eating disorder prevention, intuitive eating practices, and increased mental health. Children are impressionable meaning we can help them positively view food and their bodies, fighting against what diet culture says.