Confident Kids | Vermont Department of Health CLOSE Translations for you Confident Kids Helping Kids Grow Strong We're all in this together Helping kids grow strong is about more than what they eat or how much they move. It is also about the ideas they develop—about food, their bodies, and themselves. The words kids hear every day—from parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other adults—help shape those ideas. When we use language that supports confidence and well-being, we help kids build healthy relationships with food, movement, and their bodies that can last a lifetime. Why Language Matters Research shows that kids start developing ideas about food and their bodies as early as preschool. They become aware of body differences and social messages about bodies based on what they see and hear around them—at home, at school, in sports, in media, and in everyday conversations. Some common problematic messages kids may be exposed to include: Food : Labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” and judging people based on what or how they eat Health : Assuming a person’s body size or shape determines their health Media : Portraying people in smaller bodies more positively and people in larger bodies in negative or limited ways School : Teasing or bullying about body size, or treating students differently based on their appearance Athletics : Assuming a person’s fitness, skill, or ability is determined by appearance rather than effort, interest, or experience Messages like this can create body dissatisfaction, when someone is unhappy, uncomfortable, or critical of their body. It can develop early and often grows quietly through repeated exposure to messages that suggest certain bodies are “better” or more acceptable than others. Studies show that in kids ages 6-8, half of the girls and about one-third of the boys already wish their bodies were smaller or thinner. The good news: you can make a difference. Language That Helps Kids Grow Strong The way we talk about food, bodies, and movement matters. Below are ways you can change the conversation. Food has no moral value Food is not “good” or “bad.” Food is fuel. It gives us energy, nourishment, and enjoyment. All foods can be enjoyed without shame or guilt. Instead of: “Junk food isn’t good for you.” Try: “Let’s have a mix of different foods today that we all enjoy.” Food does not need to be earned Kids do not need to work off food or deserve food. Eating is a basic need, not a reward or something to be negotiated. Instead of: “I need to work out so I can have dessert!" Try: “Let’s get outside and move our bodies—it’s fun!” Movement is about caring for our bodies, not changing how they look When we talk about movement as something that supports health, reduces stress, and brings joy, we help kids feel positive about being active. Instead of: “I need to run today so I can fit into my clothes.” Try: “I want to run today. I always feel less stressed when I do.” WithAll , an organization focused on helping kids grow up free from weight stigma, has developed 3 Simple Shifts adults can use to support happier, healthier kids. Treat All Kids, in All Bodies, the Same Kids in smaller, larger, or average-sized bodies all need the same things for health. Prioritize health and well-being for all kids and avoid singling kids out based on appearance. Eliminate Body Comments from Your Vocabulary Even comments meant as compliments can teach kids that bodies are something to be judged. If we stop focusing on body size, we can show kids that there’s so much more to value about people than their looks. Stop Linking Food and Exercise to Appearance When we connect food or exercise with changing our bodies, we teach kids that their health depends on appearance. Instead, let’s teach them that movement is about taking care of their bodies, and food is fuel for living their best lives. Keep Learning There are many ways you can build kids’ confidence: explore WithAll’s language guide f or caregivers, educators, and coaches. More Resources Conversation Guides How to Talk to your Child about Weight and Health Talking points for parents and caregivers to help navigate conversations about weight and health. Guide to Positive Health-Focused Medical Visits Tips to help prepare for and navigate conversations about health at medical visits without talking about weight. Books How to Raise an Intuitive Eater by Sumner Brooks and Amee Severson Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture by Virginia Sole-Smith More Than A Body by Lexi and Lindsay Kite (female-focused) Raising Body Positive Teens by Signe Darpinian, Wendy Sterling, Shelly Aggarwal No Weigh (written for teens) by Signe Darpinian, Wendy Sterling, Shelly Aggarwal The Body Positivity Journal by Meghan Sylvester (great for creating writing prompts and self-reflection exercises) Resources for Coaches What to Say: Guide for Teachers , WithAll Resources for Educators What to Say: Guide for Teachers , WithAll Weight-Inclusive Nutrition for Educators , University of Vermont Resources for Health Care Providers What to Say: Healthcare Professionals , WithAll Resources for Vermont-based Providers , Vermont Child Health Improvement Program Identifying Eating Disorders in Children and Teens , The Emily Program Information about Eating Disorders and Body Dissatisfaction UVM’s Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP) resource page , and see “Eating Disorder Information” under “School Age and Adolescent Health.” You can also explore weight-inclusive resources through UVM’s Weight-Inclusive Nutrition (WIN) Collaborative. If you or someone you know needs help: The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers a free hotline (Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm EST) at 1 (866) 662-1235 You can also find regional resources for eating disorder care on UVM’s VCHIP webpage This campaign was developed by the Vermont Department of Health, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Mental Health, following recommendations from Vermont’s Eating Disorders Workgroup . The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided financial support for this public awareness campaign. Funding for this campaign was part of a greater award which provided 83% of total costs and totaled $375,999. The contents are those of the authors. They may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. CONTACT Let's Get in Touch Please share your comments and questions with us by email: [email protected] Subscribe to Confident Kids April 13, 2026