Share:

These days, it’s easy for kids to fall victim to body image issues. As a result, fostering a healthy self-image is an essential component of pediatric care, which is why the team at Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, P.S.C. urges parents to take a proactive approach to boosting their children’s self-esteem.

Take advantage of the following tips to identify and remedy any body issues your child may be struggling with.

Stress That Weight & Health Are Not Directly Correlated

No one weight is healthy for a person. For most people, there’s a range of acceptable weights—provided they are eating right and getting the appropriate amount of exercise. Accordingly, you must stress to your child the importance of healthy living, as opposed to relying on what the scale says. A sound diet and exercise regimen are key in this regard, and most sensible diets include healthy fats.

Lead by Example

pediatric carePediatric care experts also recommend that parents lead by example when it comes to body image issues. It’s easy to forget that kids often model their behaviors after what their parents exhibit, and in this case, your kids could be mirroring your dissatisfaction with your own body. That’s why it’s so important to possess a healthy self-image—for your child, as well as yourself.

Consult With Your Family Doctor

Some doctors stress weight loss for kids with a few extra pounds. While this is sensible in some cases, for other kids, a healthy weight may be higher than that of their peers. As a result, it’s important to consult with your family doctor if you feel your child has been unnecessarily urged to diet. Doctors are not infallible, and in some instances, they may be working off of the same prejudices as others.

Get the Whole Family Involved

Good health can be a family affair. To this end, try to involve the whole family when working towards a healthier outlook. This can include scheduling physical activities, cooking healthy meals, or just taking on a more positive outlook in regard to body image.

Since 1976, Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, P.S.C. has made the health and well-being of local children their top priority. Schedule your appointment for pediatric care by calling (270) 259-5641 today. You can also learn more about this clinic’s dedicated staff by visiting the website.

tracking