06/12/2024
Look, I’ll be the 🙋🏼♀️ to say parenting is f$& hard, so I’m not out here trying to shame anyone for doing their GD best
AND
I know we all love our kids so freaking much that if there’s something we could be doing a little better to make sure they’re developing in a healthy way, we want to know!
So…
One thing I know a little bit about, is the harmful effects of diet culture. The reality is, it’s a breading ground for insecurity on the mild end and eating disorders at its most severe.
is everywhere we look. This weekend I took my 4yo to a birthday party and overheard every comment in this post. And I know these parents love their kids! They think they’re protecting them from unhealthy foods and teaching them
The problem is that diet rules have led us astray. (For more on this check out my blog posts in my linktr.ee)
The long and short: know that labeling food as “healthy” or “unhealthy” or “good for you” vs. “bad for you” sets up a tone of morality and rules around eating that becomes the basis of food guilt. It can also make food and bodies a place to exercise control. And for kids who already have so little control over their lives, creating a power struggle around food can lead to a lifelong struggle with eating.
So my one piece of advice for today: serve all the food at once (yes, even the gummy snacks) and 🤐 no comments or instructions necessary!
Step back, enjoy your own lunch, and relax 🤙
