It’s so important to help children develop a healthy body image from a young age. When they’re really little, we can encourage body awareness with songs and games about parts of the body, in addition to modeling gratitude for our own bodies and well-being. Ideally, this awareness blossoms into healthy love and respect for their bodies as children grow.
We grownups play a huge role here. Two biggies we need to remember:
--Be sure to compliment children’s efforts, their kindness, the way they take care of themselves, etc., NOT “attractiveness”
--Absolutely zero complaining about your own body or looks, or talking about anyone else’s, in front of them.
(When kids are older, it’s appropriate to talk to them about body image as it’s portrayed in various forms of media, discuss why there’s often a pervasive idea of the “ideal” body, and brainstorm ways to resist pressures to fit that mold.)
Try the simple, fun body awareness and mindfulness exercise “Good Morning, Body!” from my new book Peaceful Like a Panda, with young children:
Let’s say good morning to our bodies.
Reach all the way down, and tickle your toes.
Good morning, toes!
Now find your knees.
Oh, hi, knees!
Put your hands on your belly, and give it a little rub.
Take a breath in, and let it out.
Hey, belly!
Put your hands over your heart.
Take a breath in, and let it out.
Hello, heart!
Put your hands on your head, where your smart brain is.
Take a breath in, and let it out.
Good morning, brain!
Bring your hands down.
Give your whole body a little shake, and hold still.
Take a long breath in, and let the air all the way out.
Good morning, body!
In this week’s episode of my free YouTube series Zen Sessions for Kids, I lead Good Morning, Body! from Peaceful Like a Panda, then sing my new song “Thank You, Body!” from my upcoming album.
Watch the whole episode on YouTube, and subscribe so you don’t miss any; we’re putting out new episodes each week!