Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/positive-body-image-in-infants-and-toddlers/5021544/
Jasmine is a baby who is frequently held, fed on cue, and has her needs sensitively responded to. How do you imagine Jasmine feels? She feels loved and valued and safe; she has a positive image of herself. If others value her enough to respond in such a way, she must be special. Jasmine develops self-worth.Body image is the mental picture an individual has of her body. It is how she thinks she looks in the mirror and how she thinks she looks compared to others. Body image is formed from experiences with your body and interactions with other people. The development of body image begins early in life. For infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, mastering bodily functions and gaining control of motor skills plays a significant role in developing a positive body image. Also critical is the way caregivers interact with and talk to children about their bodies.
Why is Body Image Important?
When children hear caregivers express in words and facial expressions their delight in children’s physical appearance, movements, and explorations, they come to understand that their body is valued and good. If children have Âdifficulty developing a positive body image, for reasons including inability to control their bodies, their development can ...