Show notes
What if some of the ways parents try to improve their children’s eating habits could actually create more conflict around food? In this episode, Dr. Wendy Schofer shares why eating disorder prevention starts with the family—and why parents’ own relationships with food and body play such an important role. We discuss how to create a healthier environment around food without relying on restriction, pressure, or control.Dr. Wendy Schofer, MD, FAAP, DipABLM, PCC, NBC-HWC, TIPC, is a dual-board certified pediatrician and lifestyle physician, and trauma-informed parenting coach specializing in eating disorder prevention for family members of all ages and sizes. As Founder of Family in Focus®, she's on a mission to help 1 million families build the social-emotional skills that strengthen relationships with food, body, and especially each other.In this episode, we discuss:When should eating disorder prevention begin?Why does Dr. Schofer focus on parents and the family environment rather than simply trying to change a child’s behavior?How can parents’ own experiences with dieting, restriction, shame, and body image shape their children’s relationship with food?Why can telling children what to eat, how much to eat, or how much to exercise lead to resistance and conflict?How can attempts to control children’s eating contribute to secrecy, food struggles, and shame?What does it actually mean to help children develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies?Why is focusing on what is already working in a family more productive than constantly looking for what needs to be fixed?How can parents model the relationship with food and body they want their children to develop?Why are strong family relationships and connection so important to eating disorder prevention?Dr. Schofer’s approach to eating disorder prevention starts with a simple but powerful shift: instead of focusing solely on changing what children eat, we can look at the relationships, beliefs, and environment surrounding food. By working on ourselves and modeling healthier relationships with food and body, parents can help create an environment where children can thrive—without turning food into a power struggle.Interested in learning more about my telehealth direct specialty care practice? At AmazVita MD, I help patients optimize weight and metabolic health, harmonize hormones in peri/menopause, and enhance wellness and vitality. Accepting new patients now.Website:amazvitamd.comEmail:[email protected] more about me or schedule a FREE coaching call:https://www.joyfulsuccessliving.com/ Join the Voices of Women Physicians Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/190596326343825/Connect with Dr. Schofer:Website:www.wendyschofermd.comNo More Candy Wrappers Under the Bed program: How to stop your child's sneaking and create healthy relationshipswww.wendyschofermd.com/no-more-candy-wrappersFamily in Focus Podcast:https://podcast.wendyschofermd.com/