Does your preschooler think about body image?

Mama am I fat?

Many people are aware that children are more and more concerned about their body image, but I think most people assume it's a problem largely affecting older children. Recent research, however, suggests even preschoolers may be preoccupied with their bodies AND parents don't seem aware. 

In this study, Liechty and her co authors interviewed parents of children between the ages of 2 and 4. The researchers found that many of these parents are sending messages to their children about body image that they aren't even aware of. Further, 40% of these parents reported that their children were engaging in some body awareness related behavior. 

Click on this link for more on this study.