Bend writer and mom Katie Nave is sharing one way she models a little body self-love for her daughter. 

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Here are even more ways to help your kiddos feel good in their bodies:

• Bring empathy into the mix. You can make it a household rule that treating other people with respect is non-negotiable. This includes avoiding talking about other people’s bodies without their permission. You may need to set firm boundaries with people close to you, like relatives who comment on weight, by gently explaining that this type of commentary can be really damaging to kids.
• Eliminate the food shame. Instead of focusing on calories, discuss the ways different foods can affect the way we feel and avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Encourage your child to make intuitive choices about how much and what they eat, while providing nutritious options and not shaming them for wanting to have occasional treats like chips or a cookie.
• Focus on strengths outside of the body. Take time to celebrate your child’s non-physical attributes. Are they funny, hard-working, or artistic? Make it a regular habit to point out their non-physical traits to help build their sense of self.