Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we talk about food, bodies, and health with our kids, and with ourselves.
As parents and caregivers, our words, habits, and attitudes toward food shape how children learn to nourish themselves and relate to their bodies. In this episode of the Be Well by Kelly Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lauren Hartman to explore how we can model trust, kindness, and balance when it comes to nutrition and well-being.
Instead of focusing on strict rules or labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” this conversation is about helping kids develop a healthy relationship with food through awareness, compassion, and everyday choices.
Meet Dr. Lauren Hartman
Dr. Lauren Hartman is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders, adolescent mental health, and family dynamics around food. She works with teens and families navigating everything from picky eating to disordered eating patterns, helping parents understand the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors that shape how kids relate to food and their bodies.
Her work focuses on early intervention, education, and practical tools that empower parents to support their children without creating fear, shame, or rigidity around eating.
What We Cover in This Episode
In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Hartman and I explore how parents can help children build confidence, resilience, and balance around food in a world full of mixed messages.
We talk about how social media, diet culture, and high-sugar foods influence kids today, and how small, daily choices at home can create a healthier foundation.
We also dive into:
- How to spot early signs of teen eating disorders
- The difference between picky eating and ARFID
- Common causes and risk factors for eating disorders in teens
- How parents can talk about food without creating shame
- When changes in eating habits may signal a deeper concern
- The role of movement, rest, and self-compassion in overall well-being
If you’ve ever worried about your child’s eating habits, struggled with mealtime dynamics, or simply want practical ways to support your child’s health, this episode offers realistic, compassionate guidance.
