Raising tweens
Caring for kids as they approach the teenage years can be tough at times, but you have a big role to play in guiding the child in your care through this important life stage. Through your behaviour and your conversations you can help your teen understand that they can and should have all the health and happiness in the world. Your love, patience and hard work will have benefits that last a lifetime.
Promoting a positive body image
As kids approach their teen years they become more self-conscious and more aware of how their bodies look. At this age, a positive body image can be an incredibly influential contributor to mental health and wellbeing.
Body image can be particularly challenging for some children in care who struggle with self-esteem. You can encourage the child in your care to eat well, stay active and feel good about their body.
It’s also not unusual for some kids to have a troubled relationship with food. Children who experienced neglect in a home where there was no regular source of food may secretly hoard food or binge eat. Others may have developed a pattern of food refusal as a way of asserting some control over their lives.
Introduce good eating routines
Have a regular routine around breakfast, lunch and dinner, and talk about what sorts of snacks are the smart choices between meals (things like fresh fruits and vegetables, or a glass of milk). It might help to put the meals timetable on the fridge or the family noticeboard.
Keep healthy snacks at hand
Have bowls of fruit and other healthy snacks in easy-to-reach places. This can be very reassuring for kids who have experienced food insecurity and may help them give up hoarding behaviour.
Be a body image role model
It will be easier for your child to feel good about their body if they see that you feel positive about your own body. Eat well, stay active, and talk in terms of what your body can do, not how it looks.
Challenge the stereotypes
At some stage, you’ll probably notice your child comparing themselves to images they see in the media. Talk to your child about how the media manipulates body image and how real-life healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.
Talk about health (not weight)
If you choose to talk to your child about their relationship with food, focus more on health and how they’re feeling, and less on food, weight or body shape. Tell them you want to help them feel happier and healthier. If you get an angry or defensive reaction, don’t argue. Let it go, and try again another time.
Be realistic around behaviour change
It may take time for children to let go of old habits and start to learn new ones. Encourage healthy eating habits, but be prepared for progress to be slow.