Talking About Food and Bodies

If you are an Educator looking for information on this topic, please see our Teaching about Food and Body Inclusivity pages.

Children are exposed to many messages about food, health, and bodies through media, family, friends and school. In this world of unrealistic beauty standards and societal expectations around body image, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies is more important than ever. The language we use as parents and caregivers really impacts the way our children think of food and their bodies. 

How can I support my child in developing a positive relationship with food?

A positive relationship with food can be different for everyone and includes enjoying the taste, social, traditional, and cultural aspects of food; welcoming all foods without fear or guilt; and trusting your body.  Having a positive relationship with food is important for our overall health and can be protective against eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Here are a few ideas to help your child develop a positive relationship with food:

• Remove pressure from food (i.e. one more bite or finish your plate rules) and avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
• Avoid labelling foods as “healthy” and “unhealthy”, “treats”, or “junk food”. These words can sound like judgement of food choices and can lead to feelings of guilt or shame around eating. Instead, call foods by their name (i.e. broccoli, candy, hamburgers)
• Eat together as much as possible.
• Have fun with food! Try cooking together, reading books about food, and growing food together. Explore food using your senses.
• Show your child that you eat and enjoy a variety of foods. Don’t restrict your food or diet in front of your kids; they will notice.

How can I support my child in developing a positive body image?

• Talk positively about your own body and avoid negative comments about weight
• Focus on what bodies can do rather than how they look. Compliment others on their unique qualities or talents rather than appearance.
• Talk about how bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that all bodies are good bodies and deserve respect. Explore books together that talk about body diversity.
• Encourage children to be critical of media and to set boundaries with social media

Where can I learn more?

Learn more about supporting your child’s relationship with food and their body here.

Have a teen? Check out this resource on how to talk to teens about food.

What kinds of food should I pack in my child's lunch?

Ensuring your child has foods they will eat and enjoy can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you pack a lunch your child will love:

• Involve your child in making their lunch, make it fun!
• Pack a variety of different foods, including vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein rich foods
• Use child friendly containers that are easy to open
• Use insulated lunch bags and ice packs to keep your child’s food cold, and a thermos to keep your child’s food warm

Want to learn more about packing your child's lunch?  Check out our School Lunch Your Kids Will Munch resource.