Messaging about food can have a huge impact on a person.
Here are some ED specialized dietitian tips for talking to kids about food.
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Its absolutely possiblejust sometimes not so easy.
dietitian and certified Intuitive Eating counselor based primarily in New York City
The thing about diet culture is that no one is inherently immune to it.
(Insert food) is so bad for you.
A way to reframe this would simply be by offering other options.
What would you like from these other options?
(Then you could list several things youd like them to try).
Youre gaining weight/you shouldnt eat that; youre getting big.
Ive had many patients who have received compliments their entire lives on their beauty and thinness.
This can contribute to the development of an eating disorder or to feelings of low self-esteem.
Non-appearance-based compliments can foster a sense of self-esteem and self-worth that isnt rooted in ones appearance.
dietitian and certified Intuitive Eating counselor based primarily in New York City
You have to clear your plate before it’s possible for you to leave the table.
Kids are born as naturally intuitive eaters.
They usually hear their bodily cues for hunger, satiety, and comfort quite well, says Larkey.
Asking them to pause and reflect with questions like, What are you feeling right now?
or How is your body telling you that youre full?
is a great way to encourage reflection and listening to their bodys cues, she says.
Are you sure you want to eat that/more?
Theres no ideal reframe for this sentiment, says Larkey.
Instead, you’re able to trust that your kids bodies can tell them how much to eat.
Last but certainly not least, kids are like sponges, says Larkey.
So often, parents are their kids heroes and best friends.
Theyre always listening to what we say, and they emulate it.
This is one of the most common things Larkey says that she hears from clients.
Larkey recommends catching yourself, if youre able, and redirecting.
All bodies are great, and I am practicing loving mine more.
Next time Im going to say: ____.
Parenting is unique, challenging, messy, exhausting, and personal.
Larkey stresses that its never too late to start teaching kids about food neutrality and body diversity.
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