We’ve all been there.
That one “harmless” remark from a parent, friend, or even a stranger — “Don’t eat too much, you’ll get fat,” or “You’re so skinny, eat something!” — stays etched in our memory. What seemed casual to them shaped how we looked at our own bodies.

But as new-age parents, we have the opportunity to break this cycle. The way we talk about bodies, food, and beauty can help our children grow up confident, secure, and kind to themselves.

Here’s how to raise body-positive kids in a world obsessed with appearance.

1. Watch Your Language Around Them

Kids are sponges. If they hear you constantly saying, “I need to lose weight” or “I look so fat in this,” they may start thinking their worth is tied to their looks. Instead, focus on what your body can do, not how it looks.
Example: “I’m grateful my legs let me run and play with you” instead of “My thighs are huge.”

2. Don’t Label Foods as ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’

Calling cake “bad” or salad “good” creates guilt around eating. Teach children about balance — some foods help our bodies grow strong, others are just for fun, and both have a place in life.
Instead of: “No, you can’t have chocolate, it’s unhealthy”
Try: “Let’s enjoy some chocolate today and maybe some fruit later to keep our bodies happy.”

3. Celebrate All Kinds of Bodies

Expose kids to books, shows, and toys that show different shapes, sizes, skin tones, and abilities. Representation matters — it helps them see that beauty and worth are not one-size-fits-all.

4. Praise Effort, Not Appearance

Instead of “You look so pretty in that dress”, say “You picked such a bright, happy color — it matches your energy!” This shifts the focus from looks to personality, creativity, and effort.

5. Share Your Own Healing Journey

If you’ve struggled with body image, be honest in an age-appropriate way. Let them know you’re also learning to love your body. Kids value vulnerability and it teaches them that self-love is a lifelong process.

6. Teach Media Literacy

Help them understand that what they see online or in movies is often edited, filtered, and unrealistic. Show before-and-after Photoshop examples, and talk about how comparison can steal joy.

7. Encourage Movement for Joy, Not Punishment

Let kids find activities they genuinely enjoy — swimming, cycling, dancing, climbing — instead of exercising to “burn calories.” Movement should feel like play, not a chore.

8. Stop Commenting on Others’ Bodies

Even a casual “She’s lost so much weight, she looks amazing” sends a hidden message that smaller equals better. Model kindness by complimenting people on their talents, kindness, or achievements instead.

Final Thoughts

Raising body-positive kids is less about one big conversation and more about everyday actions. It’s about the tone we set at home, the words we use, and the values we model.

If we can help our kids grow up knowing their worth isn’t measured in kilos or inches, we’ll have given them a gift that will outlast any trend — the gift of self-love.