Educators Deserve to Embrace Body Positivity Too

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders

Throughout my teenage years, I was immersed in the world of cheerleading, primarily on a competitive traveling team. My uniform—a two-piece outfit—only intensified my discomfort as I struggled with my own body image and lacked a sense of body positivity.

One moment stands out vividly: my coach shouted, “Taylor! Come on, suck in that gut!” The laughter of my peers echoed around me, but I couldn’t find the humor in it. I was bloated from my period that day, feeling physically and mentally unwell. Yet, here I was, a child being publicly shamed by an adult in front of my teammates. Little did they know that I had already resorted to throwing up before practice, and his words made me want to do it again.

As a child, I can’t recall a time when I felt secure in my own skin. I was never overweight, but I wasn’t the petite figure I aspired to be. The small girls seemed to garner more attention, drawing admiration from boys and even favoritism from teachers. I fell into the belief that the ideal body was a thin one.

The exact factors that led to my eating disorder are hard to pinpoint, but I recognize that they stemmed from years of negative self-perception. As an adult, I came to realize that I had never seen a positive body image role model in my life.

My upbringing wasn’t terrible by any means; my mother was loving and supportive. She never criticized my weight and often told me how beautiful I was. However, as a teenager, those words felt hollow. I would respond with, “Of course you say that; you’re my mom.”

I often observed her express dissatisfaction with her own body. She would try various diets and scrutinize herself in the mirror when clothes fit a bit too tight. I noticed how she would shy away from photos, trying to conceal what she deemed “problem areas.” As I matured, I started to see my mother’s insecurities reflected in myself. Her criticisms of her own body became my own.

Not all children have adults who can instill body positivity in them. It’s not about blaming parents—our society conditions us to strive for an unrealistic body image. We must break this cycle, and schools are an ideal place to foster body positivity among children.

Kids spend a significant portion of their lives in school, where negative perceptions often take root. Schools should adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy toward body shaming. Educators should be vigilant in addressing these issues, which are far too common.

Bullying can lead to a toxic environment where children are judged based on their appearance. This contributes to alarming rates of mental health struggles, eating disorders, and even suicides. We cannot ignore these realities.

It’s time to eliminate BMI tracking in physical education classes. Educational materials, toys, apps, and media must represent diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. Teachers and staff should refrain from discussing their diets in classrooms; let’s repeat together: diet culture is harmful. Unrealistic beauty standards should be addressed when encountered in educational settings. Additionally, we need to reassess dress codes—they should not be based on gender or body type.

The unfair targeting of certain body types and genders speaks volumes about the school system’s biases. Let’s stop sexualizing and shaming students for their self-expression.

Every child faces challenges regarding their body image, especially those who may not conform to societal norms. Creating a body-positive environment may mean avoiding individual discussions about bodies altogether. Instead, we should allow children to guide such conversations, ensuring we respond in ways that promote emotional well-being.

Kids need a refuge from a world that often tells them they’re not enough. Above all, they require educators who affirm that they can occupy as much or as little space as they wish. We must teach them that their worth is not defined by their appearance or size.

Every shape, size, and color contributes equally to the richness of our world.

For more insights, check out this related blog post, Teachers Need to Foster Body Positivity Too. If you’re curious about home insemination options, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. You can also refer to Cleveland Clinic’s guide for more information on intrauterine insemination.

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Summary:

The article emphasizes the importance of fostering body positivity within educational environments. It recounts personal experiences of body shaming in cheerleading and the long-lasting effects of negative body image. It advocates for schools to adopt policies that promote inclusivity and discourage bullying based on appearance, creating a safe space for children to embrace their individuality.

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