Self image

When working with children one of your responsibilities is to help develop their self image and self esteem.

You should be careful about images portrayed in the books you use and think about the magazines that you use for making collages. If you use the radio or television in your child care facility, be aware of the advertisements used. Think about how seriously young children take what they see and hear.

By encouraging autonomy as well as promoting healthy eating and exercise, the children in your care will have a better opportunity to gain a positive self image.

What is self image

What does self image mean to you? How is it related to your self esteem?

Has there been a time when your self image has been influenced either positively or negatively by pictures that you've seen, people you've talked to or other sources? How did this make you feel?

When you're discussing or involved in experiences related to nutrition or exercise with children, it's important to be aware of the ideas and images that you are exposing children to.

Consider the following scenario:

Ingrid is four years old and attends Cybertots fulltime. She spends much of her time in adult company when not attending the centre, as well as with the caregivers when at the centre.

One day at lunch it was noticed that Ingrid was not eating anything. When asked if she was feeling unwell, she replied, 'No, I feel fine.' When asked further about why she wasn't eating, she replied that she was on a diet, just like Nicole, one of the caregivers in the 3 - 5 years Room.

How could this situation be resolved to create a healthy self image for Ingrid?

Record your thoughts in your notebook.

Modelling a positive self image

Have you ever noticed how children idealise sports players or actors? Have you seen them imitating them and modelling their own behaviour on them?

In the same way, you are a role model for the children in your care. You need to make sure that you portray a positive self image, as you will be a strong influence in the lives of the children in your care. Your approach to healthy eating and exercise are extremely important.

Have a look at the following examples and choose a response.

Click on your choice from the options below.

You are the Child Care Assistant in the 3 - 5 years Room. The children are eating their lunch of ham and salad sandwiches.

'It's important to eat a healthy lunch,' you say, as you munch on your hamburger and chips.

Appropriate

Inappropriate

This isn't appropriate behaviour. Remember you are a role model to the children in your care. They will get a mixed message if you say one thing and do another. Try again.

Well done! This is appropriate behaviour. You are a role model to the children in your care. If you demonstrate good eating habits the children will be more likely to follow your lead.

You are working as a child care assistant in the 2 - 3 years Room. One of the children wants to go outside and play on the swings. You respond by saying, 'Great idea! Out you go and have some fun!'

Appropriate

Inappropriate

Not quite, there is a better way of responding to this scenario. Rather than encouraging the child to go out and play on the swings all alone, this is a great opportunity to spend time with the child and enjoy the physical activity together. Through your enthusiasm for the activity, you will be role modelling a positive attitude towards exercise. You may also find that your enthusiasm will encourage some of the other children to participate in the activity. Try again.

Well done! There is a better way of responding to this scenario. Rather than encouraging the child to go out and play on the swings all alone, this is a great opportunity to spend time with the child and enjoy the physical activity together. Through your enthusiasm for the activity, you will be role modelling a positive attitude towards exercise. You may also find that your enthusiasm will encourage some of the other children to participate in the activity.