Body image workshop to educate parents

19 October 2010

Parents will have an opportunity next month to learn how they can support their children to choose healthy lifestyles and try and avoid eating disorders.

Tamworth has been chosen as a pilot site for a project aimed at preventing behaviours that can lead to the development of eating disorders, and improving body image and self esteem in children and young people.

As part of this pilot, The Butterfly Foundation, a national charity that provides support for Australians who suffer from eating disorders and negative body image issues, will to hold a Dove BodyThink session for parents in Tamworth on 3 November.

The Butterfly Foundation has appointed Tamworth Hospital dietitian Sally Moy as the Foundation’s Tamworth project officer.

Ms Moy said the Dove BodyThink session was designed to inform and educate parents about self esteem, body image, media literacy and the many factors that influence and impact children growing up in today’s world.

“Children take the majority of their body image cues from their parents,” Ms Moy said.

“Parents can be the most positive influence in their child’s life, so it’s important parents make sure they have the right information so they can help their children make good life choices when it comes to health.”

The Dove BodyThink for parents sessions have been designed to:

• Help parents positively impact their child’s self esteem and body image confidence and help improve their media literacy
• Provide talking tips and discussion points for these issues
• Provide a reference guide and support system for parents
• Act as a positive tool for parents raising girls and boys in today’s modern society

This two hour workshop will be held in Tamworth on Wednesday 3 November from 6.30pm at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse. The cost is $25 for one participant (or $35 for two from same household) and includes a full colour resource to take away.

For further information or a registration form please contact the Butterfly Foundation’s Tamworth representative Sally Moy on 6767 8440. Please note places are limited.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767)