How to talk about body image with children and young people
In this episode, host Alicia Ranford talks with Dr Zali Yager, an internationally recognised expert in body image with a background in health and physical education. She and 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, co-founded The Embrace Collective, a not-for-profit organisation striving to enhance body appreciation, so everyone can live in a world free of judgement and shame about their bodies. Zali and Taryn also co-authored the Embrace Kids book, and Dr Yager was the expert adviser on the Embrace Kids documentary.
Zali and Alicia discuss some of the things families, educators and practitioners can do to help create safer body image environments for children and young people.
Content warning: This podcast includes themes of disordered eating and body image. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.
In this episode, you will learn:
- about the term ‘body image’ and its meaning [04:36]
- what parents can be doing early on to talk about our bodies in a positive way and how to communicate this messaging to the adult people in your children’s lives [08:48]
- what resources are available to parents through The Embrace Collective. [19:51]
Further information and resources:
Eating disorders and body image helpline – Butterfly Foundation, Australia
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