Let's Thank Our Body
Let's Thank Our Body
a soft start to sex ed & alarming public health data about eating disorders
The topic of body image is a nice way to wade into sexuality education talks slowly. Diving into the deep end of the pool to confidently start a sex ed talk may be a bit bold and shocking for many. Bodies, emotions, relationships, dignity, and love are all part of a body image conversation.
Every person has thoughts about their own body. Many times, those thoughts lead to insecurities and, in some cases, serious problems.
In my 17 years as a teacher, I have never experienced an elementary-aged student (6-12 years old) with a diagnosed eating disorder. This year, 2024, there have been multiple cases in my little world. Recently, my 10-year-old son commented on how many calories he ate one day, and my ears perked up. I wasn’t worried, nor did I make a comment, but the lyrics to the 4 Non-Blondes screamed through my mind, “What’s going on!?”
So, I did what any reasonable, curious person would do: I Googled — “eating disorders in elementary-aged children.” Holy mackerel! Sound the alarm, friends — something is up!
To say eating disorders are on the rise in younger children feels like an understatement. There are alarming statistics from scientists and reputable public health journals.
Recent Scientific Public Health Research Statistics
Alarming Increase in Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Health visits for all eating disorders among people under the age of 17 increased by 107.4% from 2018 to 2022.
According to data collected by the National Health Service in England, there has been a 185% percent increase from 2016 to 2022 in cases of eating disorders in children and adolescents.
According to the London Center for Eating Disorders and Body Image, there was a jaw-dropping increase in eating disorders for boys and young men. Hospitalization for boys and young men increased by 128% from 2015 to 2021.
Many studies point to Covid as an indicator for the increase: Analysis from Six European Countries.
I’m confident that public health researchers will continue to confirm with statistical proof that children need comprehensive sex education. Public sexual health initiatives will take some time to catch up. In the meantime, we can initiate positive body awareness talks. I’ll share some book and video resources.
Please know that I am not qualified to talk about eating disorders or disordered eating, and this post in no way attempts to offer resources, insights, or solutions for eating disorders. My heart goes out to any person or family working through the complex psychology and struggle of eating disorders.🩷
The National Eating Disorder Association website offers information. The Substack Recovery by Ginny Jones offers in-depth resources and insights. Ginny Jones also has a Newsletter for Parents that offers practical tips for parents of kids with eating disorders.
Planting Seeds of Positive Body Image
Books
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
Recommended for Ages 0-99
This incredible book depicts all the people. Its inclusive drawings of vibrant and connected real-life scenarios make it a joy to read. Various skin tones, body types, abilities, and relationship interactions fill the pages. Each illustrated scene can start a meaningful conversation.
This book gives us a chance to practice talking about body image, feelings, and society before questions arise in real-time. (For example, when my curious child stops a person in their tracks to ask a million questions about their motorized wheelchair because the buttons and gauges are just so cool!)1
Talking respectfully about various bodies imbues a child with the feeling that their body must be totally cool too!
After reading this book, I think I’ll exhale a little deeper this summer, sitting criss-cross applesauce on the beach, letting my cellulite dimples and stretch marks soak up the sun. There is a likely chance that you may also see yourself in this book, my dear reader.
a kids book about body image by Rebecca Alexander
Recommended for ages 6-12
In this book, the author starts by saying she will NOT share messages like, “You’re beautiful just the way you are” or “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Rebecca Alexander guides readers to identify feelings, reality, and societal influence.
The main message is pure gold: nothing about you needs to be fixed. Many people profit by convincing others that they should be thinner, have different hair, or whiter teeth, etc., but the human body is amazing and not broken.
Videos
Bodies: Different Shapes, Different Sizes. All Beautiful
Recommended for ages 9-12
A two-minute video reminds people to celebrate who they are and not compare themselves to others.
Why Don’t I Like the Way I Look
Recommended for ages 9-12
This four-minute video briefly discusses puberty changes, media influences and representation of bodies.
“Let’s Thank Our Body” Activity
suggested for children ages 0-9
Here’s an invitation to try something fun with younger children. I call it “Let’s Thank Our Body.” My children and I often use it to wind down before bedtime.
Start with the feet and work up towards the head, or vice versa, or jump around willy-nilly. Model expressing gratitude for the functionality of a body part and how it enhances your life experience.
Example: “Thank you, feet, for supporting me and helping me walk… and thank you, toenails, for allowing me to paint you.”
Children love a little silliness, and our somatic bodies soften with loving attention and gratitude. Sometimes, this activity leads to a conversation about prosthetic body parts or differing abilities. The amazing functionality of bodies takes center stage over appearance or beauty standards. Each new gratitude gives us a chance to show respect for ourselves and others.
A Closing Thought
As my friend Ahn says, “If we get out in front of it, then the conversation is easier.” If we can overpower the onslaught of society’s damaging messages about body image, then maybe we can help our children develop a body-positive inner dialogue.
“I am me. This is my body. It’s the only body I’ll ever have, so I will love it and do my best to keep it healthy.”
Helping our children develop positive body image can only positively affect their mental health and overall well-being. Perhaps we will heal a bit along the way because our aging bodies are cool too.
Winning Sex Ed is a collective, positive-sum effort. When somebody ‘wins’ we all WIN.
xo
Tara
Quite apropos, being that a wheelchair is an extension of a person's body.