How Can We Talk to Our Kids About Food and Health Without Creating Shame?

from MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD · host Kristen Cook, MD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom, explores how parents can talk to their children about food, health, and weight without causing shame or harm. She explains the flaws of BMI, the complexity of metabolism, and the dangers of diet culture. Kristen offers practical tips for handling picky eating, avoiding food as a reward, and fostering a positive, shame-free environment. She emphasizes modeling healthy habits, focusing on overall well-being, and supporting children’s self-worth, encouraging parents to prioritize health and confidence over numbers on a scale.What you'll learn:Challenges of discussing food, health, and weight with children without inducing shame.Concerns about childhood obesity and the implications of weight on health.Limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of health in children.The complexity of metabolism and its influence on weight and health.Importance of focusing on overall health rather than just weight.Strategies for addressing picky eating in children.The impact of emotional associations with food and the need for food neutrality.Encouraging healthy eating habits without creating obsession or anxiety.The role of parents in modeling healthy behaviors and attitudes towards food.Recognizing warning signs of unhealthy relationships with food and seeking professional help.Podcast DisclaimerThe information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HEREFollow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/https://twitter.com/momdoctalkhttps://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 31, 2025

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