Helping Boys Thrive at Any Size

Kids can thrive at any size, says Jill Castle, a pediatric dietician, parent, and author of Kids Thrive at Any Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health & Happiness. Takeaways: Feeding kids in a healthy way can be challenging, but it’s important to raise children of all sizes to be physically healthy and emotionally well. Family culture plays a significant role in shaping children’s attitudes towards food and body size. Body neutrality focuses on the functionality of the body rather than its appearance, promoting acceptance and self-love. Growth charts are a tool for tracking a child’s growth over time, but they should not be used to define a child’s health or worthiness. Parents can advocate for their children by addressing biases and stigma related to body size, both within the extended family and in healthcare settings. Creating a positive meal environment and supporting children’s individual appetites can help build healthy eating habits. Parents should prioritize sleep, as it plays a crucial role in children’s growth and appetite regulation. Health should be measured by factors beyond weight, such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and cardiovascular fitness. Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode: jillcastle.com — Jill’s website Kids Thrive at Any Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health & Happiness — Jill’s latest book The Nourished Child — Jill’s podcast Picky Eaters, Family Meals, & Nutrition — ON BOYS episode Sponsor Spotlight: Lumen Understand your metabolism! Go to lumen.me/ONBOYS to save 15% on Lumen Sponsor Spotlight: Armoire Clothing rental subscription that makes getting dressed easier. Visit armoire.style/ONBOYS to get up to 50% OFF your first month. Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising Sponsor Spotlight: IXL The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY