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You want to raise kids who feel confident in their bodies and have a healthy relationship with food. But what happens when you're still figuring that out yourself?

Maybe you catch yourself labeling foods as "good" or "bad." Or your child comes home saying something they picked up at school or TikTok ("big back," "fat," "calories")...and your stomach drops. You want to respond in a way that builds confidence, not confusion. But between your own history with dieting, the mixed messages online, and the constant pressure to "get it right," it feels impossible to know what to say.

In this episode, I'm joined by pediatrician and author Dr. Whitney Casares, who shares how to navigate food and body conversations with kids at every age. She explains the division of responsibility approach, why authenticity beats perfection, and how to handle those uncomfortable moments at the pediatrician's office. Plus, she tackles the controversy around new pediatric guidelines and the shame surrounding GLP-1 medications. 

References

Dr. Whitney Casares' book: My One of a Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me (Available October 21st)

Website: modernmommydoc.com (includes free pediatrician visit guide)

Instagram: @modernmommydoc

Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is now LIVE! The 21-Day Momentum & Health Challenge gives you the mindset and tools to build lasting change in just a few minutes a day. Learn more here.

Audio Stamps

01:00 - Dr. Casares introduces herself and her focus on the intersection between a mom's wellness and a kid's wellness.

03:00 - Navigating food choices with kids and finding the middle ground between restriction and a complete free-for-all.

07:00 - Age-appropriate ways to talk about food with kids, from toddlers to teenagers understanding marketing and food processing.

11:20 - How to provide structure around food when kids push back using the division of responsibility approach.

15:20 - The importance of self-compassion and pausing before reacting to your child's eating or body concerns.

22:13 - Addressing shame around GLP-1 medications and what we can learn from Serena Williams speaking publicly about her use.

27:03 - Clarifying the misunderstood AAP guidelines on pediatric weight management and when medication may be appropriate.

38:58 - Teaching kids body positivity when you struggle yourself and why authenticity matters more than perfection.

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

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