Virginia Sole-Smith, a journalist and author of 'Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture,' joins the discussion on the vital need to rethink how we address body image with children. She dives into the damaging effects of anti-fat bias and the role it plays in systemic inequalities. The conversation emphasizes nurturing a positive self-image and validating children's feelings about their bodies. Ultimately, they advocate for viewing self-worth beyond physical appearance, promoting self-acceptance and community support as essential for fostering healthy relationships with body image.
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Conflicted Beginnings
Virginia Sole-Smith started her career writing pro-dieting articles but felt conflicted.
As a thin child who became a larger adult, she internalized societal pressures.
insights INSIGHT
Unpacking Anti-Fat Bias
Diet culture promotes the idea that thinner bodies are superior to larger bodies.
This anti-fat bias permeates society, from media to healthcare to how public spaces are designed.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Responding to Kids' Body Comments
Acknowledge your child's observation of different body sizes without shame.
Explain that commenting on bodies without permission can be hurtful.
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Virginia Sole-Smith's "Fat Talk" delves into the pervasive influence of diet culture on parenting and family dynamics. The book explores how societal pressures and ingrained beliefs about weight and body image affect children's relationships with food and their bodies. Sole-Smith challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical strategies for parents to navigate these complex issues. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food in children. The book provides valuable insights and tools for parents seeking to raise children free from the constraints of diet culture.
Good Inside
A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
Becky Kennedy
In 'Good Inside,' Dr. Becky Kennedy shares her parenting philosophy, which focuses on building strong relationships with children rather than merely shaping their behavior. The book critiques traditional parenting methods like reward charts and time-outs, which fail to address children's complex emotional needs. Dr. Kennedy provides actionable strategies and troubleshooting for various parenting challenges, such as sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, and tantrums. Her approach helps parents move from uncertainty and self-blame to confidence and sturdy leadership, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in parenting.
Kids today face a near-daily onslaught of body shame from their peers, school, diet culture, the media, and even the most well-meaning parents themselves. Virginia Sole-Smith, journalist and author, joins Dr. Becky to discuss why it’s critical that we change the way we talk to kids about fat, weight, health, and self-worth.
Get the Good Inside App by Dr. Becky: https://bit.ly/3Sw5IdX Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside Sign up for our weekly email, Good Insider: https://www.goodinside.com/newsletter Order Dr. Becky's book, Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, at goodinside.com/book or wherever you order your books. For a full transcript of the episode go to goodinside.com/podcast To listen to Dr. Becky's TED Talk on repair visit https://www.ted.com/talks/becky_kennedy_the_single_most_important_parenting_strategy
Good Inside with Dr. Becky 
