Children are aware of not only their own body size and shape, but the size and shape of those around them. They are similar in some ways, and different in others. This helps them understand that they are unique, which means: “no one else is exactly like me. I love me!”

Helping children accept their size and shape at a young age is very important for developing their self-esteem. You can teach children that no matter what their shape and body size is, any child can eat healthy and be active.

How to help your child:

  • Focus on health not weight
  • Teach them that people come in all shapes and sizes, and that is okay

Here a few examples:

  • Instead of saying “I’m on a diet, I need to lose weight”, say “I need to eat healthier, to be stronger.”
  • If your child’s body shape or size makes them uneasy with other kids, tell your child: “people come in all shapes and sizes” or “people can be healthy and be different sizes.”
Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - This is Me! I Love Me! (Child and Body Image), Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
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Building Perspective-Taking Skills in Young Children
Introduction to perspective-taking and its ability to understand and consider other people’s thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints, which plays a vital role in developing empathy and navigating social interactions. Children develop this skill in stages as they grow.
 Kim, YaeBin 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-01
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Let's Discover STEM: Five-Year Report 2017-2022 Nevada Sustainable Communities Project
A seven-week workshop targeting children in at-risk communities in Las Vegas & Reno-Sparks to promote STEM topics and the results of said workshop.
 Weigel, D., Kim, Y., and Evans, B. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP-22-01
Teaching Young Children About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
It is important to teach your child about diversity, equity and inclusion. It is so important to help your children learn how to embrace diversity in a way that is respectful and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
 YaeBin Kim 2021, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-21-96
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E-Books for Young Children Kim, Y. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Infant Language Development
From the moment babies are born, they are learning how to communicate. Babies first communicate by crying and then begin to coo and babble. Infants’ speech develops as they are exposed to sounds and language, spoken and unspoken. Gestures, facial expressions and sounds are all pa...
 Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-15-06
 

Associated Programs

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.