As I’ve been on my own journey of repairing my relationship with my body and food, I’ve realized that much of the messaging I’ve given my children, especially in their younger years, was given out of love, but not necessarily helpful.

But what happens when we realize the messaging we’ve given our children is something we wish we could change? There’s that saying that when you know better you do better, but what do we do when what we didn’t know was actually harmful?

Registered Dietitian Kristin Williams joins us today to help us navigate this. Kristin works with all types of clients, male and female, young to not-so-young, but also with  a lot of young women and their parents. I knew she was just the right person to have this conversation with compassion, grace, and truth. However old your children are, if you’re thinking “oh man have I messed them up?” this is an episode for you.   

Kristin Williams is a registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist helping individuals to make peace with food and their bodies using a non-diet approach. Kristin owns a private practice in Dallas, Texas, Wonderfully Made Nutrition Counseling where she and her associate Kate provide nutritional counseling to adults as well as adolescents struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting and body image concerns. In her practice, Kristin uses a Christ-centered approach for individuals who are interested in incorporating faith into their recovery journey. Kristin is the author of the book, Unworthy Weight and the founder of In His Image, which is an annual body image conference for teen girls and women.

We discuss

• Wishing we could have done things differently
• Reverse course from diet culture and body shaming with our older kids
• Opening the conversation of “I think I messed up”
• How to broach challenging conversations like what our children are wearing

Watch on YouTube

Episode Summary:

The journey of parenting is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, one of the challenges being the sensitive topic of food and body image. The latest episode of our podcast features Kristin Williams, a registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist. Williams sheds light on the best ways to approach these conversations with kindness, grace, and openness.

Often, parents grapple with concerns about their child’s relationship with food and their body image. One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the importance of striking a balance between speaking and listening. As parents, we must tackle the shame and guilt associated with these topics head-on. In the episode, the often-overlooked aspect of sugar and its impact on wellbeing is also discussed. From creating safe spaces to making mindful clothing choices, the conversation is packed with practical advice for parents navigating these sensitive issues.

Kristin shares insights on how the internet impacts young women today and how to approach these conversations with an open heart, prayer, and a focus on faith. She shares a powerful story of a client who managed to have meaningful conversations around food and body image, even with grown-up kids. This serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to mend relationships and start important discussions.

A crucial part of having these conversations is to tackle the feelings of shame associated with them. This is a major theme throughout the podcast episode. As parents, we must remember that our experiences, our perceptions of food and our bodies, shape our children’s perceptions. If we approach these conversations from a place of guilt or shame, it could inadvertently lead to a negative relationship with food and body image for our children.

Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is also an essential part of these discussions. Our words, actions, and attitudes have a significant impact on their self-image. This goes beyond just talking about body image and food. It also extends to the choices we make, the clothes we buy, and the values we impart.

Navigating these conversations with older children can be particularly challenging. Williams offers guidance on how to repair and restore fractured relationships through open, honest, and humble dialogue. These conversations can create a safe space for grown-up children to discuss their concerns about food and body image.

Kristin’s insights are a testament to the importance of having these difficult conversations, regardless of your child’s age. She emphasizes the importance of entering these discussions with an open heart, prayer, and a desire to point our children towards a healthy relationship with food, their bodies, and ultimately, themselves.

It’s never too late to start these conversations about food and body image with your children. It may not be easy, but it is an essential part of parenting. With the right approach, understanding, and empathy, these discussions can foster healthier relationships with food and body image, and contribute to a more positive self-image for our children.

Connect with Kristin:

https://www.wonderfullymadenutritioncounseling.com
Instagram: @wonderfullymadenutrition
Facebook: Wonderfully Made Nutrition Counseling

Connect with Amy:

Join the Graced Health community on Facebook!
Instagram: @GracedHealth
Facebook: @Graced Health

Have a graced day,

Amy