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Challenging the ‘perfect body’ myth
Do you think you can tell how fit, strong or fast someone is just by the shape of their body? Try the Body of a Champion quiz and surprise yourself. Use it with our action checklist to start a conversation about positive body image with your child.
Body of a Champion: a quiz for body conscious young people – and their parents
Body of a Champion takes female athletes from a variety of sports – from a runner and a swimmer to a ballerina and a rugby player – and asks what you know about their lifestyles. Who eats the most calories? Who’s the strongest? Who has the most protein in their diet? Who does the most training? You might be surprised by some of the answers.
After you’ve played the game, challenge your child to try it, too. It will help both of you see how easy it is to assume that a certain body shape is related to a particular lifestyle.
Action checklist There’s no such thing as the perfect body shape
Take the quiz
Were you surprised by the results? It’s impossible to predict someone’s skills and abilities just by looking at them
Share the quiz with your child
Do they have the same experience? Talk to them about their reactions and assumptions. If they’re making the same choices as you, explore where your shared ideas come from
Talk honestly about judging others
Notice different body shapes around you. Talk to them about the initial reactions and assumptions you make when you see someone for the first time. Where do they come from?
Try to avoid jumping to conclusions
Instead of judging people on their appearance, see that beautiful, healthy, successful people come in all shapes and sizes and with different hair types and skin colours