What to Do When Your Child Expresses Body Dissatisfaction

As a parent, hearing your child say something like “I don’t like my body” or “I feel fat” can be heartbreaking. It’s natural to want to fix it immediately—but the way we respond matters.

Here’s a quick, parent-friendly guide to help you support your child with compassion and confidence.

1. Stay Calm and Listen

Take a deep breath. Resist the urge to correct, dismiss, or react emotionally.

👉 Try saying: “Thanks for telling me. Can you share more about what made you feel that way?”

Listening shows your child that their feelings are safe with you.

2. Validate Their Feelings (Not the Criticism)

Acknowledge that their emotions are real—even if you don’t agree with what they said.

👉 Try: “It’s okay to feel unsure about your body sometimes.”

Avoid jumping in with “You’re not fat!”—this can unintentionally send the message that being fat is bad.

3. Focus on What Bodies Can Do

Help shift their focus from how their body looks to what it can do.

👉 Try:“Your legs help you run, dance, and play. That’s amazing!”“Your body is strong and helps you do what you love.”

4. Be Mindful of Your Own Language

Kids notice everything—including how we talk about our own bodies.

✨ Avoid:

• Talking about diets

• Labeling food as “good” or “bad”

• Making appearance-based compliments

✨ Try instead:

• “This food gives us energy!”

• “All foods can fit.”

• “I love how strong I feel when I move my body.”

  
  

5. Create a Body-Positive Environment

Surround your child with books, shows, and people that celebrate body diversity.

Talk openly about how all bodies are different—and how that’s something to appreciate, not fix.

6. Get Support if You Need It

If your child talks about their body constantly, avoids food, or seems anxious, it’s okay to ask for help.

✔️ At Healthy Hive Family Nutrition, we support families in raising confident, well-nourished kids.

Final Thought

Your response today can shape your child’s body image for years to come. Keep showing up, listening, and learning—you’re doing a great job. 💛

Looking for support or guidance?

📅 Book a session with us today.

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