(CBS) No longer issues just for the super-model, questions of dieting, obesity and body image are arising on the playground. One study reports that 40 percent of nine-year-olds have admitted to dieting.

Lori Alrod visits The Early Show to talk about how parents can help their children develop good eating habits without developing eating disorders and poor body images.

A mother of two, Alrod is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She offers workshops for parents and children.

What do you do if your child asks if he or she is fat? Alrod says first you have to find out what prompted the question. She says, "First, find out how your children feel about their body. Do they think they're fat? And, where did they get the notion that they are fat."

You have to be careful to be honest, but not devastating, in your answers. Parents need to watch their words. Alrod says, "If they are fat and you say 'No,' you will lose credibility with your children." Alrod continues, "It is important to reassure your child by saying, "I love you the way you are. Are you happy with how you are?"

If your child indicates that she is unhappy with her body, then you engage in a conversation with about what she might do to change things. Alrod says, "It's important to give your kids control and let them help work out the plan. The conversation might take the form of: What do you think we should do to be healthier? Do you think we could take a walk instead of watching too much TV? Parents should try and incorporate more physical activities in the daily schedule. And, these are activities for the child and the parent."

These kinds of conversations can happen at all ages, from 4-years-old and up. Parents need to structure the information in ways that the children can understand.

The key is finding out where children got the idea that there's something wrong with them. You can take steps to correct it once you discover that. Is that information coming from school or from friends? Are they getting it from the media? Are they getting that message from you?

It's a good idea to show your children who they are in the family. If you are from a family of short people it's unlikely you will have a tall child. So, if you have children fretting about their body image you might discuss how they have a certain body type based on their family genetics. This can help the children accept themselves for who they are and give up unrealistic goals.

©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Back To Top