Anne Valauri

Children start developing their self-image at a young age. As children grow, adults can help them form positive views or perceptions of themselves, including about their physical characteristics and behaviors. Having a positive self-image contributes to a child’ s overall sense of well-being.

In preschool programs, educators can foster children’ s self-image through planned and spontaneous interactions. They can do so by both supporting body diversity and addressing anti-fatness. Body diversity encompasses the idea that bodies may all look different, but they all have value and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Anti-fatness( or anti-fat bias) relates to discrimination that can occur against individuals with larger bodies. Such messages and experiences can lead to lifelong consequences, including unhealthy or even disordered eating practices.

42 Educating Young Children

Summer 2026