Raising Body-Confident Children: Supporting Positive Body Image with Anupa Roper

I spend a lot of time talking about body confidence in women over 40 — but what about the next generation?

In this episode of Liberté – Free to Be, I’m joined by ⁠Anupa Roper⁠, also known as ⁠Sparrowlegs⁠ — a former primary school teacher, children’s author, body image educator and mum of two — to explore how we can support children and young people to grow up with healthier body image and self-worth.

Do you worry about your child’s body image?

Do you sometimes struggle with what to say — or not say — about bodies, food and appearance?

Anupa understands this deeply. For years, she allowed the label “skinny” to shape her confidence, choices and sense of worth. Constant comments about her body — being told how small she was, questioned about whether she ate enough — left her feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. Today, she uses that lived experience to empower children and families to break free from body image pressures.

In our conversation, Anupa shares:

• How body image issues can affect children of all body types

• Why comments we think are “harmless” can have lasting impact

• How parents, carers and grandparents can model healthier language

• The importance of body neutrality and self-acceptance from an early age

• How to help children feel confident without focusing on appearance

We also talk about the power of reclaiming labels. Anupa was nicknamed “Sparrowlegs” as a child — a name she once found hurtful, but now owns with pride. That journey inspired her beautifully illustrated children’s book ⁠Sparrowlegs⁠, aimed at under-7s, about a young sparrow learning to love the feathers she’s in.

It’s a gentle, powerful reminder that confidence isn’t about changing our bodies — it’s about changing the story we tell about them.

Women like Anupa are creating a positive ripple effect for future generations. And all of us have a role to play — through awareness, compassion and the language we use every day.