Body Image as a Mom: What Your Kids Are Picking Up That You Didn’t Mean to Teach

Hey friend! Before we dive in, let me ask you something:

Have you ever caught your daughter tugging at her shirt, checking herself in the mirror, or saying something negative about her body... and it absolutely crushed you? 😭

If you’re nodding yes, then The Joy-Filled Eater LIVE was made for you. This group coaching program helps you break free from disordered eating and negative body image so that you don’t pass it down to the ones you love the most.

Inside the program, I walk you through my 4-part RISE framework to help you restore your relationship with food, your body, and your faith.

If you’re ready to stop obsessing over your body and finally walk in freedom, click HERE to see the full program breakdown and to get started now.

Alright, let’s get into today’s conversation. Grab your coffee (or your iced matcha), and let’s go!

The Day I Realized My Daughter Was Listening

I’ll never forget the day my friend told me her 6-year-old daughter looked in the mirror and said, “Mommy, I look fat in this.”

My heart sank. Not just because her daughter said it—but because I instantly thought, Where did she learn that?

Maybe you’ve had a moment like that, too. Maybe you’ve watched your child mimic a gesture, a sigh, or even a phrase you didn’t realize you said out loud.

It’s gut-wrenching, isn’t it?

The truth is: our kids are learning how to talk about their bodies by watching (and listening to) us.

Let’s unpack what they’re picking up (without us even realizing it) and how we can start rewriting that story today.

They’re Always Watching, Even When You Think They’re Not

Think about it like this: You’re driving, and your sweet child is in the backseat when you let out a road rage-y, “MOVE IT, PEOPLE!” as the light turns green. Two weeks later, you hear a tiny voice from the car seat behind you echo, “Move it, people!” 😬

Been there? Because I have. My daughter was TWO when she repeated that phrase, and I was half horrified, half trying not to laugh.

Here’s the thing: The same thing happens with our body comments.

We think a casual “Ugh, I feel so bloated” or “I need to work off this dessert” is no big deal, but those comments plant seeds of shame and fear around food and body image in our kids (and let’s be honest, in ourselves, too).

Why This Matters

Even our smallest comments can become our children’s internal narratives about their bodies. If you’ve been craving practical support in changing how you speak to yourself and your body, come join my free, Food Freedom and Body Image Support for Christian Women Facebook community where we talk about this kind of thing every week. It’s a safe, Jesus-centered space to learn, grow, and find encouragement.

Who Shaped Your Body Image? (And Why You Need to Know)

Let’s take a moment and think back: Who taught you how to feel about your body?

Was it your mom? An aunt? A coach? That one offhand comment from a relative or friend that stuck with you longer than you’d like to admit?

Awareness is the first step toward freedom. When you know where your story started, you can begin to rewrite it—and prevent history from repeating itself with your kids.

Reflect for a moment:

• Who shaped your view of your body?
• What messages did you receive about what your body should look like?
• Who might you need to forgive (or thank) for their role in shaping your body image?

Your children are learning how to think about their bodies based on how you think and talk about yours.

The beautiful thing? You get to break generational patterns and speak truth in love to yourself and your family.

You Can Start Speaking Life Over Your Body (Today)

You don’t have to wait until you “love your body” to start speaking life over it.

In fact, scripture doesn’t tell us to love our bodies; it tells us to care for and appreciate them because God says they are good (Genesis 1:31).

Practical Tips to Change the Narrative

Here are a few ways to start shifting your words and legacy:

1. Catch Yourself & Reframe

Instead of saying, “I look gross,” pause and reframe to something like, “I feel tired today.”

It’s more truthful, more neutral, and models honesty without shame.

2. Speak Gratitude Over Your Body

Try praying, “Thank you, God, for a strong body that [carried my babies / lets me hug my kids / allows me to walk and live life].”

Gratitude can shift your mindset in an instant.

3. Talk About What Your Body Can Do, Not Just How It Looks

This helps your kids see bodies as tools for living, loving, and serving, not just something to critique.

4. Acknowledge Your Body is Good Because God Says It Is

Even if it doesn’t work or look like it did 10 years ago, your body is still good because the God of the universe says it is.

A Powerful Reminder

If you’ve never seen the Dove Legacy video on mothers and daughters, it’s a MUST-WATCH. It shows how daughters mirror their mothers’ comments about their bodies, both the negative and the positive.

> 🎥 Watch it here: Dove Legacy Video

It’s a beautiful, sobering reminder that our words matter deeply.

Your Words About Your Body Are More Powerful Than You Think

Your kids are watching, listening, and learning.

The good news? You get to choose a new narrative rooted in grace, truth, and freedom.

You get to model what it looks like to care for your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and to live free from shame and fear around food and body image.

You get to break cycles, friend.

Ready to Stop Passing Down Negative Body Image?

If you want practical, faith-based support in breaking free from shame and anxiety around your body, I’d love to invite you to join me inside The Joy-Filled Eater LIVE.

It’s not just about food freedom; it’s about legacy—the one you’re leaving for your children.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Come join us, and let’s walk in freedom together.

Join The Joy-Filled Eater LIVE here.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Friend, you are doing holy and hard work by shifting the way you talk about your body.

I see you.

If this post encouraged you, would you share it with another mama who needs this encouragement today?

And if you want even more Christ-centered encouragement and practical tips, subscribe to the Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Until next time, keep chasing joy and choosing freedom. 🌸

 

With grace and joy,

Brittany Braswell, MS, RDN, LD