To have a positive body image builds confidence, self-acceptance and feelings of self worth in all of us. It is vitally important that children grow up feeling good about their bodies, knowing that the love their parents have for them has absolutely nothing to do with their shape, size or degree of fatness.

Love your own body
Does my bum look fat in this? We know that children mimic behaviour. That's how they learn and it's no different with body image issues. If they hear Mum complaining about the size of her thighs or the fact that Dad has never had a six pack or that big sister 'feels fat' today as she squeezes into her size 6 jeans, don't be surprised when you hear the kids repeating similar sounding comments about themselves to you and their siblings. Aim to keep appearance in perspective and try to foster an appreciation for what the body can do rather than focus on what it looks like.

Understand genetic blueprint
If all the women in your family are pear shaped and you just happen to take after them, no amount of dieting or physical activity will re-shape you. A pear cannot turn into a stick of celery no matter how hard it tries. However with the right diet and plenty of physical activity the pear can develop into the healthiest, fittest, best pear it can be. So much of the way we are in terms of shape, the way we metabolise food and whether we're movers or sitters appears to be genetically determined. So instead of trying to change the impossible why not accept the fact and explain to the family that there are different varieties of fruit ... all delicious in their own right ... that's right even pears!

Look after your body
Encourage your children to adopt healthy lifestyle habits whatever their shape or size. With regards to healthy eating behaviours try to avoid the concept of good and bad foods. Try everyday foods and sometimes foods instead. Allow your children to leave food on their plate if they have eaten enough. Children are intuitive eaters naturally. It's important that they do not lose the ability to tune into their body's signals, which regulate appetite. Avoid using fad diets and other forms of extreme dieting yourself; instead follow the principles of balanced eating and regular physical activity to manage weight.

Talk about it!
Always try to keep the lines of communication open without becoming a preacher! Listen to your child's concerns about body image issues and other self-doubts and fears without dismissing them as ridiculous. Help build your child's self esteem by creating opportunities for them to succeed at any level whether it is in music, drama, academic performance or sport.

Also talk about what is normal growth and development, reassure them about the physical changes that they will experience at puberty. Respect their individuality as they grapple with their own identity during adolescence. Be there to listen and learn from them and they will be more likely to listen to you.