Raising Kids in Diet Culture: Eating Disorder Prevention, Protection, and Real Conversations with Zoë Bisbing, Body Image Therapist

How do kids learn about bodies and food before anyone even talks about it? Zoë Bisbing, psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist, joins me to unpack the invisible lessons our kids absorb—and how parents can respond to “hard body moments” without shame or overcorrection.We talk about:* Zoë’s journey from inpatient eating disorder treatment to prevention work—and how becoming a parent reshaped her lens.* What kids are really learning about bodies, food, and morality.* How to respond when a child expresses body distress.* Why tolerating “body grief” builds resilience and reduces eating disorder risk.* Why shutting down “I feel fat” with reassurance can accidentally close the door to connection.* What to actually say when your child brings you a hard body moment.* How “fix-it” energy can communicate fear—and what it looks like to tolerate discomfort instead.* Why prevention isn’t about perfection, but about creating an emotional climate where kids aren’t alone in their pain.* The surprisingly joyful role of simple pleasures—like toaster strudels—in fostering flexible eating.This episode isn't just for parents. We were all children once, impacted by diet culture in our family and beyond. So this is for anyone who wants to create a home where bodies and food are safe, not shameful.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupFind the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessFor more from Zoë:https://www.instagram.com/mybodypositivehome/https://www.bodypositivehome.com/abouthttps://bodypositivehome.substack.com/Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe