• 1
    Your words have power

    Use your words to show your child there’s more to life than appearances. By making the change yourself, you’ll help them do the same and show them there’s more than one way to be beautiful

  • 2
    Take the one-week challenge

    Challenge yourself to a week of no fat talk. It might be hard at first, but if you tell friends and family about it, they can support you and even try it for themselves 

  • 3
    Tell your friends you’re bored of body talk

    Next time you meet up with a friend, if they start any fat talk reassure them but also alert them to the negative impact of their words – for example: "I adore you and it hurts me to hear you talk about yourself that way

  • 4
    Focus on the fun talk

    Avoid fat talk when discussing diet and exercise, focusing instead on the emotional and health benefits. So, if your friend has started a new fitness regime, perhaps ask them whether they’re feeling stronger or sleeping better 

  • 5

    Replace negative with positive

    If you start to fall into the ‘body talk trap’, try turning a negative into a positive. Think of a positive replacement statement for everything negative you might say about your or others' appearance

  • 6

    Love your body

    The first step to building self-esteem and positive body confidence is to love and appreciate your body. Use it to feel energised – go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air, do some gardening or take the kids for a bike ride

  • 7

    Tackle your harsh words about others

    Stop making criticisms about other people's weight or looks. Not only will your child subconsciously pick up this negative behaviour, they’ll also interpret it to mean that bigger can’t be beautiful


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