Raising body positive kids is no easy feat. As a pediatric Registered Dietitian and Body Positivity Coach, I recognize the unique challenges that parents and caregivers experience as they try to strengthen their children’s relationships with food, health, and self-image as they grow up. Even though I was a healthy and happy kid, I struggled with body image before I even knew what it was. As a kid, I wanted to shed my ‘baby fat’; as a teenager, any size above ‘00’ or XS was too big; as a young adult, I started experimenting with dieting and weight loss. And now, as an adult and nutrition professional, I know my experience is not unique (which doesn’t surprise me).

What does surprise me – the dozens of parents I talk to on a weekly basis who tell me about their struggles as they begin to notice their child’s relationship with food and self-image fall out of place. I’ve heard first hand accounts of the bullying at school, of the food sneaking and hiding, of the increasingly disordered eating behaviors, and it led me to think:

“What if we could stop these problems from the very start?”

“What if I could teach others more about the process I had used to escape unhealthy food and self-image mindsets?”

“What if we could raise a future generation under a new norm, and create lasting, positive relationships with food, health, and self?”

Raising kids to have healthy and positive relationships with their food, health, and self-image is not an easy task, with so many obstacles that come up as they grow. If you’ve ever had a child come home in tears because someone at school called them chubby and their confidence was lost… If you’ve ever struggled with your own body image, and hoped that your kids never had to feel that feeling… If you’ve ever felt frustrated and angry when the people in your circle just won’t get behind your efforts to help your child build strong relationships with food and body image… I am here to help. I have the experience, tools, and resources to help you transform feelings of helplessness and frustration into confidence as you support your child’s developing relationship with food, health, and self-image. 

Registered Dietitians (RD) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) – they are one and the same – are qualified and trained nutritional professionals. Requirements to obtain this title are extensive – completion of an accredited, 4- year undergraduate program in nutrition, a 1200+ hour supervised practice internship, and a credentialing examination. Additionally, RDs and RDNs are required to engage in yearly continuing education to ensure their expertise and knowledge stays up-to-date. In comparison, there is no requirement or regulation of the term nutritionist – anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. While some nutritionists may have nutrition education and experience, this is not guaranteed. Always ask for the experience and qualifications of an individual without a protected title to make sure you are receiving safe nutrition advice.

The bottom line is, it is never too late for anyone to learn to have a healthy relationship with food, health, and self-image. Even many of the parents I work with find that the efforts they make on behalf of their children often rub off on themselves.

However, the earlier we can make an impact, the better. My coaching strategies and recommendations are most applicable for children over the age of 2 and under the age of 12. If you are a parent or caregiver hoping to get additional support in raising body positive kids, please fill out my 1:1 Coaching Application. I will reach out to you for a free consultation to see if my services are a good fit for you and your family!

Please feel free to reach out via email – rileytherd@balancedlifenutritionconsulting.com – or phone – 619-988-1213 (call or text).

You can also connect with me on social media – see below!