Let's start with the definition according to Wikipedia.
Body positivity is a social movement that promotes a positive view of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities.[4] Proponents focus on the appreciation of the functionality and health of the human body, instead of its physiological appearance[5](Wikepdia)
Our self esteem is tied up in how positive we feel about our body. I feel both girls and boys struggle with self esteem. Is it because we put a lot of pressure on our kids to be perfect in everything they do? Body image starts in our pre-teen and teen years. This is when our bodies change especially for girls but can be the same for boys too. This is when everyone starts to notice and comment on our looks and our bodies. Sometimes negative comments are internalized, and it doesn't really have to be negative, just that someone is commenting on you at all feels negative. Why do we constantly comment on others' looks, clothes, and bodies? It is ingrained in us to notice the outside beauty, and we want to let the person know that we admire them, maybe, or we are fishing for the same comments back. We would notice if they didn't comment, right? We would then wonder if we didn't look as cute as we thought we did. How do we ingrain in ourselves and our kids that our differences are what makes us special? It's something that we don't appreciate until we are much older. Instead of saying "You look great today, or you look really skinny, or cute outfit" maybe we should just say "Hey! Great to see you today!" Feeling body positive takes work. We should start the day by looking in the mirror and saying to ourself, "You are healthy and beautiful, and what others say to you has no bearing on how you should feel about yourself, and you are going to have a great day!" Discard all the negative thoughts in your head and say only positive things to yourself. It makes a world of difference in your day!
Sincerely, Julie Moore, FNP