Sometimes it seems as though Gen Z has a better body image than some of us Millennials or Gen Xers. However, your kid might be having some struggles.
Body Positivity, Body Image and Body Neutrality are buzz phrases going around. What is the difference between them?
Body Positivity:
Body positivity is a cultural movement and mindset that promotes acceptance and celebration of all body types, challenging traditional beauty standards that often lead to body shaming and discrimination. Rooted in the idea that every individual deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, body positivity encourages people to embrace their unique features and love their bodies irrespective of size, shape, or appearance. The movement strives to foster a more inclusive and affirming environment, aiming to shift societal perspectives towards recognizing and appreciating the diversity of human bodies.
Body Image:
Body image refers to an individual's perception, thoughts, and feelings regarding their own physical appearance and how they believe others perceive them. It encompasses both positive and negative aspects, influenced by societal standards, media portrayals, and personal experiences. A healthy body image involves feeling comfortable and satisfied with one's body, whereas a negative body image can lead to issues like low self-esteem and mental health challenges. In cultural discussions, addressing body image often involves challenging unrealistic beauty ideals and promoting self-acceptance, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive attitude towards diverse body types.
Body Neutrality:
Body neutrality is a concept that emphasizes a shift in focus from promoting solely positive body image to a more neutral and accepting stance. Unlike body positivity, which encourages actively loving one's body, body neutrality suggests acknowledging the body without assigning value judgments based on appearance. It encourages individuals to appreciate their bodies for their functionality and what they can accomplish rather than evaluating them based on societal beauty standards. By adopting a more neutral perspective, people aim to reduce the pressure associated with achieving a particular aesthetic and cultivate a mindset that values overall well-being and health.
Loving your body is a process, one that may take a whole lifetime. But starting to see your body as a neutral object, one that creates life, allows us to do really cool things, and is a wonder is a great start.
My team created a tool to help in the area of body acceptance.
It’s a devotional + habit tracker called Love Your Body. It can be purchased on Amazon
here and it would be a great book to go through with your kid if they (or you) are struggling with loving their body.
Other books on the subject that I highly suggest are:
Breaking Free from Body Shame by Jess Connolly
Image Restored by Rachael Gilbert
I’ll Start Again on Monday by Lysa Terkeurst
Feel free to also follow me on
Instagram as I share what I am learning about how to have a healthy relationship with yourself.
Setting your kid up with a healthy outlook on their body before they leave home will set them up for success!