n our culture, we put a lot of emphasis on how people look and their body size. Talking to kids about what they think about their body image, food and exercise is no easy task. Yet, our words can affect a person's image of themselves for a lifetime. Over thirty years ago, I spoke with a woman who shared her love/hate relationship with food. She told me it began when she was five years old; a family member frequently called her cubby and pinched her cheeks. She longed for that person to say something affirming and friendly. Those simple encounters were etched in her brain, even into her adult years. Unfortunately, this early memory of her self-image began her rollercoaster diet during her 8th-grade year. Whenever she looked at herself in the mirror, she would hear, "You’re chubby!".

As parents and educators, we can strive to help our children view themselves positively. So, instead of focusing on appearance, let's help them see themselves in a positive light. Here are 25 phrases that can help you do just that:

Evelyn Sullivan, M.Ed.

Director of Early Childhood Education and R.E.A.C.H.

Evelyn Sullivan is the Director of Early Childhood Education for North American Division. She spent many years teaching young children to love to learn. She has combined her passion for teaching and administration to promote the importance of early childhood education.