These Books Will Teach Your Kids (And You) About Body Positivity

Body positivity is a concept that has gained significant traction on social media over the past decade. It’s heartening to witness a movement challenging conventional beauty standards and advocating for the idea that everyone deserves to feel good about their bodies. However, for those who have wrestled with body image issues, embracing body positivity can be easier said than done.

Like many, I have faced my own challenges with body image throughout my life. Despite my desire to feel confident, I have had to actively cultivate a positive body image. It’s difficult not to compare ourselves to the idealized images that bombard us daily on social media. Becoming a parent has heightened my awareness of this issue.

Our children are also inundated with messages about their bodies and how they measure up against others. Studies indicate that kids as young as five start discussing body image concerns. In today’s digital landscape, shielding them from these influences is nearly impossible. Therefore, our best approach as parents is to empower our children to love their bodies and appreciate that all bodies come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and abilities.

One effective way to impart these vital lessons and initiate discussions about body positivity with young kids is through literature. Here’s a curated selection of diverse books that inspire body confidence and promote acceptance of all bodies.

Bodies are Cool by Sam Thompson
This vibrant picture book celebrates bodies of all shapes, colors, and sizes, embracing features from scars to body hair to missing limbs. The vivid illustrations foster acceptance and confidence among young readers.
I Like Myself! / ¡Me gusta cómo soy! by Maria Hill and illustrated by David Catrow
This bilingual book is a playful tribute to self-esteem, filled with whimsical phrases like “Beaver breath” that encourage kids to love themselves while bringing giggles.
I Am Jazz by Lily Thompson and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
Co-authored by trans activist Jazz Jennings, this autobiographical picture book shares her journey of embracing her true self as a transgender child.
Lovely by Jess Hong
A delightful picture book that celebrates diversity, showcasing the beauty in differences—whether someone is big, small, loud, quiet, smooth, or wrinkly—concluding that we are all LOVELY!
Love Your Body by Mia Johnson and illustrated by Carol Rossetti
Aimed at girls but valuable for all, this empowering book is filled with affirmations about self-care, self-love, and acceptance of others.
Julián Is A Mermaid by Jamie Lee
This enchanting story follows Julián, a boy who loves mermaids and wishes to dress like them, celebrating individuality and the importance of supportive love.
Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke, illustrated by Li Liu
This book delivers a strong message of self-love through the story of a “plus-sized” kid enjoying life, illustrating that all bodies are remarkable.
Laxmi’s Mooch by Shireen Khan and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali
This body-positive tale follows an Indian American girl learning to embrace her body hair and heritage, with her parents supporting her journey.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho
Celebrating heritage and self-love, this book beautifully expresses love for Asian features with poetic phrases like, “I have eyes that kiss in the corners.”
A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Kayla Harren
This book encourages boys to embrace their uniqueness and shows that they don’t have to conform to traditional expectations.

For more insight into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this helpful resource from the CDC. You might also find our post on body positivity engaging.

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Summary

This article highlights the importance of body positivity and offers a diverse selection of children’s books that promote self-acceptance and confidence. By sharing these stories, parents can help their kids embrace their individuality and appreciate all body types.

Keyphrase: Body positivity for children

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