Island Parent February/March 2021

gry, stop when you are full. Teach your
child to do the same.
• Remind yourself and your child that
healthy eating is flexible. It allows for
sometimes eating more than your body
needs or occasionally eating foods that
might not be considered healthy. Your
body will make up for it later. It’s more
important to look at the big picture. Ask
yourself: Did I and my child make mostly
good choices over the course of the week/
month? Do I usually stop eating when
I’m full?
• Avoid using food as a punishment
or a reward as it gives food more importance
than nourishing the body. Reward
good behaviour with non-food items
such as extra playtime, a hug, a smile or
any other positive encouragement.
• Think and encourage your child to
think critically about messages and images
they see and hear in the media.
When it comes to screen time think
quality over quantity. For example, online
learning, homework and keeping in
touch with family and friends via Zoom,
Skype FaceTime can be quality time
spent; whereas eight hours of TV/movies,
gaming and social media exchanges, may
People with a positive body image recognize and accept that:
• Healthy bodies come in different shapes and sizes.
• Body size and weight do not predict happiness, success, or health.
• People are more than numbers on a scale; every person is a unique individual
with admirable talents, skills, and abilities.
• Images in the media are unrealistic and are created to sell products.
not be. Limit non-essential screen time to
less than two hours per day.
• Teach your child that it is okay to
show emotions such as sadness, anger,
and frustration.
Being a positive role model for healthy
behaviours supports children to become
all they can be and more. Trust that your
child’s inner confidence and personal
power will develop over time.
For more information visit:
• Kelty Mental Health Raising Kids
with a Healthy Body Image: A Guide for
Parents of Young Children keltymentalhealth.ca
• MediaSmarts Information that will
help you talk to your kids about media
images. mediasmarts.ca/
• Unlock Food Article: How to Raise
Kids with a Healthy Body Image unlockfood.ca/en/default.aspx
CHILD YOUTH & FAMILY
PUBLIC HEALTH
Areli Hermanson is a
Public Health Dietitian who
understands firsthand that
when surrounded by food
rules, chronic dieters, emotional
eaters and food shamers, body image issues
can develop at a young age. She is a mom
of two very active boys who she hopes grow up
body-positive towards themselves and others.
Free program
for families with
ANXIOUS
children ages 3–12
Confident Parents: Thriving Kids - Anxiety is a web- and
phone-based coaching service helping parents and caregivers
learn effective skills and strategies for managing anxiety.
It’s available by referral from physicians, teachers, school
counsellors, psychologists, clinicians and pediatricians.
Referrals can be made online at
confidentparents.ca
IslandParent.ca
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