Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
How to Talk to Girls About Their Bodies at Every Age
View On One Page
Photo 1 of 5  
ADVERTISEMENT ()
1

Ages 0-4

  • Use appropriate vocabulary: Use the correct anatomical terminology instead of pet names when referring to different parts of the body. Not only does this educate your child, but it also teaches her not to be ashamed of any part of her body.
  • Praise the entire package: Even if your child is the cutest little thing you've ever seen, make sure that you aren't just complimenting her on how cute she is. Your daughter needs to learn from a young age that she isn't just a pretty little girl but that she's also smart, brave, and strong. By diversifying your praise beyond physical attributes, you will show her that these qualities are of even more value than appearances.
  • Embrace her observations: At this age, kids can so the darnedest things, but don't set the precedent that certain physical attributes are bad or should be ashamed of. If she points out your tummy or stretch marks, use this as an opportunity to teach her how proud you are of your body instead of telling her that it isn't nice to comment on the size of someone's belly. By keeping a neutral or educational response and embracing her thoughts or questions, she won't start thinking that certain body types are better than others.
Previous Next
Nacho Parenting: Expert Explains Parenting Strategy
Family Life
Why "Nacho Parenting" Could Be the Solution For Your Blended Family
by Taylor Andrews 2/25
What Co-Sleeping With Kids Is Really Like
Family Life
What Co-Sleeping as a Family Actually Looks Like
by Lena Felton 12/16/25
Sundown Scaries: An Expert on New Parent Anxiety at Night
Family Life
How to Survive the "Sundown Scaries" as a New Parent
by Taylor Andrews 12/01/25
Pinterest Parent: Expert Explains Pinterest Parenting Style
Family Life
Why Everyone Wants a Playdate With the "Pinterest Parent"
by Taylor Andrews 7/21/25
Big Little Feelings Moms Share the Best Postpartum Products
Parenting
The Moms Behind Big Little Feelings Share Game-Changing Postpartum Products
by Lena Felton 7/21/25
Why It's OK to Let Kids Get Bored Over the Summer
Summer
The Summer's Hottest Parenting Hack? Boredom
by Jennifer Heimlich 7/21/25

From Our Partners

Now You Know

Love Is Blind: Where Do Those Engagement Rings Come From?

Fashion

Everything to Know About the "Love Is Blind" Engagement Rings

by Sarah Wasilak 2/19

shopping

Oprah's Favorite Things List Has Major Gems, Including an Under-$100 Air Fryer

by Balim Tezel 11/06/25

Fitness

Paralympians Earn the Same Pay For Medals as Olympians, but Is It Enough?

by Karenna Meredith 8/29/24

health

How Often Should We Be Getting COVID Vaccines?

by Alexis Jones 8/23/24

Food

Pumpkin Spice Season Is Back Aug. 22

by Lauren Mazzo 8/21/24

Beauty

The Exact Red Lipstick Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Swears By

by Alaina Demopoulos 8/20/24

health

What to Know About the Latest Mpox Outbreak, According to MDs

by Alexis Jones 8/16/24

health

Céline Dion Promised Her Children She’d Live: “They Already Lost a Parent.”

by Sara Youngblood Gregory 6/11/24

Latest Family
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.