5 Subtle Warning Signs Your Child Is Struggling With Body Image

Do you remember your child’s delight when they discovered the baby in the mirror, that uncomplicated joy in recognizing their own reflection? As kids grow, this delight turns into exploration: How high can I jump? How fast can I run? Curiosity can also lead to comparison with the bodies of others. How do I stack up? Am I taller, bigger or stronger than my peers? I remember my daughter beaming with pride when she informed me that she had earned the title of “most flexible-ist” in the first grade.

We want our children’s bodies to bring them joy, but comparing their bodies with other kids, in real life or on screens, can lead to them feeling that they don’t measure up in some way. At its extreme, distorted body image can lead to self-harming behaviors such as disordered eating.

Here, experts reveal early signs that your child may be struggling with their body image — and ways that you may be able to intervene.

1. They isolate themselves.

“If a child becomes less social or intentionally isolates it could be an early warning sign that fear of judgement/criticism has gotten so intense, they choose to be alone,” Crystal Williams, a psychologist in California, told HuffPost.

To see if this is the case, you might try asking open-ended (as opposed to leading) questions about why they prefer to stay away from a particular social event or gathering.

2. They make a radical change in their diet.

There’s nothing wrong with your animal-loving child deciding to go vegetarian, but big shifts in diet can sometimes be a sign that they’re struggling with the way their body looks, Williams said. In addition to restricting their food intake, eschewing certain items (like bread or sweets) or whole food groups (like carbs) can signal a