S9E20 (Mini-Series EP 08): Are We Feeding Our Kids… or Their Future Therapy Sessions?

Because the conversations we have around food today can shape the way our children think about themselves for years to come.Have you ever encouraged your child to clean their plate, offered dessert as a reward, or made a casual comment about your own weight without thinking much of it?Most parents have.The truth is, many of the messages we send about food are messages we inherited ourselves. We often repeat them with the best intentions—without realizing how deeply they can influence our children's relationship with food, their bodies, and even their self-worth.In this episode of the Raising Eyebrows Miniseries, Celia Kibler and Dr. Kailey Buller tackle a topic that affects every family: the powerful connection between food, emotions, body image, and the messages children absorb from the adults around them.Because children are always listening.They're listening when we talk about food.They're listening when we talk about our bodies.And they're learning from what we do just as much as what we say.In this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation, Celia and Dr. Kailey explore how parents can create a healthier, more positive environment around food without turning meals into battles, rewards, punishments, or sources of shame.Why children's bodies naturally change and grow in different ways throughout childhoodHow comments about weight, appearance, and food can impact a child's self-imageThe difference between encouraging healthy eating and creating unhealthy pressure around foodWhy parents decide what and when food is served, while children decide if and how much they eatPractical ways to introduce new foods without creating power strugglesHow curiosity and play can make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyableWhy food should not become the primary reward for good behaviorSimple ways to help children build a positive relationship with food and their bodiesOne of the most important reminders in this episode:Food is not something children need to earn, fear, or feel guilty about.It's nourishment.It's connection.It's part of family life.And when we remove pressure, shame, and judgment, we create space for healthier habits and healthier relationships.That doesn't mean every meal will be perfect.It doesn't mean your child will suddenly love broccoli.And it definitely doesn't mean parenting around food becomes easy overnight.But it does mean you can approach these conversations with more confidence, more understanding, and a lot less stress.If you've ever worried about picky eating, body image, emotional eating, or the messages your child is receiving about food, this episode offers practical guidance and reassuring reminders that can help you move forward with greater clarity.Tune in to this episode of Raising Eyebrows your weekly dose of sanity in a world full of parenting noise.We're so glad you're here.To stay connected with Celia Kibler, follow @beabetterparentdotcom and explore more support through the Be A Better Parent Skool community at skool.com/beabetterparent.You can also connect with Dr. Kailey Buller at @vitalswithdrbuller for thoughtful, evidence-based support around motherhood, family health, and raising children with confidence.And if you want parenting support right when real life is happening, be sure to download the Be A Better Parent app. It offers on-demand guidance, practical tools, and real-time support to help you respond with more calm, clarity, and confidence right when you need it most.