The "Thin is in" mentality it's apparently ingrained in the minds of very young girls.
A 2009 University of Central Florida study found that nearly half of the 3- to 6-year-old participants said they worried about being fat. Meanwhile, the number of eating disorder hospitalizations for kids under age 12 more than doubled between 2000 and 2006, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). So what can you do as a parent to encourage positive body image and discourage any negative comments from your kids peers? Jennifer Lombardi with SEDOP joined us with more on this very important topic.
5 tips to help kids resist negative stereotypes about weight & appearance:
¤ Cook & eat family meals together
¤ Educate about food for fuel & food for fun
¤ Teach critical thinking skills about mass media
¤ Educate kids about normal body development
¤ Focus on activity for fun versus punishment
For more information or if you know someone who needs to talk to an expert, contact SEDOP locally or the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 800-931-2237.
Sacramento & Company / News10